George Burton Peterson, son of Harold William and Louella Burton Peterson, was born March 28, 1937 in Nebraska City, Nebraska. He attended elementary and high school in Nebraska City, graduating in 1956. George attended Abilene Christian College in Abilene, Texas, graduating in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Following his graduation from the San Francisco School of Mortuary Science, he returned to Nebraska City to join his father and brother in the family business, Peterson Mortuary. In 1962, father Harold, brother John, and George founded Peterson Mortuary in Glenwood, Iowa. George has since served as a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the states of Nebraska and Iowa for over 50 years.
On June 30, 1963, George married Sandra Kay Roenfeldt in Glenwood, Iowa. George and Sandra were blessed with three children: Georganne, Jonathan Burton, and Jonelle Kay. George’s greatest love was his family, especially his grandchildren who were so important to him.
George had many interests including fishing, golfing, music and sports. George was an outstanding athlete, gaining recognition as the 1955 Nebraska High School Boys 220 yard State Track Champion, 1956 Nebraska High School Boys 220 yard and 100 yard State Track Champion (9.4 seconds). This double achievement made him the first high school boy to medal in two track events. George was also part of the Glenwood High School Hall of Fame. While in college on May 31, 1958, George was part of the 880 yard Relay World Record team that stood for over 9 years with a time of 1:22.6.
Involved in many organizations throughout his life, George was an active member of the community. He was a 50-plus year member of the Grace United Methodist Church, 50-plus year member of Glenwood Lion’s Club, 50-plus year member Glenwood Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M., Iowa Funeral Directors Association, Southwest Iowa Sportsman Club, former member and board member of the Glenwood Golf Course, former member of the Glenwood JayCee Club, Eastern Star, Shriners, founded the annual George Peterson Outstanding Female Track Award, and founded the annual Harold W. Peterson Outstanding Male Track Award.
George passed away November 18, 2013 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, reaching the age of 76 years, 7 months, and 20 days.
Survivors of George include his wife of fifty years, Sandra Kay Peterson of Glenwood, Iowa; children: Georganne Williams and husband Roger of Glenwood, Iowa, Jonathan Burton Peterson of Merriam, Kansas, Jonelle Walter of Glenwood Iowa; five grandchildren: Taylor Williams, Aidan Peterson, Ronan Peterson, Blaine Walter and Blaire Walter; sister-in-law Betty Peterson of Nebraska City, Nebraska, one nephew and three nieces, other relatives and many friends.
The family of George Burton Peterson would like to sincerely thank everyone for their kindness and thoughtful expressions of love and comfort at a time when it is so needed and appreciated.
Interment at Glenwood Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Grace United Methodist Church or Glenwood Fire and Rescue.
Visitation:Thursday, November 21, 2013
5:30 PM
212 South Locust
Glenwood, IA51534
Service:Friday, November 22, 2013
10:30 AM
212 South Locust
Glenwood, IA51534
51 Condolences
We are sorry to hear about George’s passing. We will be thinking about you during this difficult time. He was so generous over the years in supporting the high school sports. Take Care.
I am so sad to hear about George’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I still remember a very sweet conversation I had with George when I was a teenager. He drove me home from piano lessons (or practicing some musical number with Sandy) and we spent the whole time chatting about the colleges I wanted to apply to. He wanted to see Glenwood kids succeed.
We send our love and sympathy to your family at this difficult time. George has left many good
memories and will be missed through out the community. May God bless you and grant you His peace.
We were very sorry to hear that George had passed away. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dennis & Carol Marshall & Family
Marshall Funeral Chapel
Nebraska City
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sandy and the Peterson/Williams family. We were deeply saddened to hear of George passing. He was an outstanding individual that touched more lives than he’ll ever know. He was an inspiration to many and will be missed greatly.
Roger and Georganne,
So sorry for the loss of your father. Our hearts are with you all during this time. All of us at TS bank are thinking of you.
Roger, Georganne, and Taylor,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult loss. May your memories of George help you through..
Marie and Rick Allely
Sandy, Georganne, Roger and Taylor – we were so sorry to hear that George has passed away. He was such a blessing to my Dad, George Stille, for many, many years. I will be praying for all of you. Just wish I could be there to give you all a hug.
Georganne, Roger and Taylor, I’m sorry to hear about the passing of your father, father in law and granddad. Bless each other with memories and cherish them all.
We are so sorry to hear of George’s passing. Thoughts and prayers to Sandy, Georganne, and the entire family.
Dear Sandy, Georgeanne, Jon, Jonelle and families, we are saddened to hea r of your loss. George made a large impact in our community and especially lily in your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Harold and Barbara Kaiman
We were so sorry to hear of George passing away. Our thoughts and prayers to the whole family at this difficult time.
Sandy and family, your family has provided peace and comfort for a very many people over the past years in their times of need. I pray God will grant you the peace and comfort you need now by members of the area. My thoughts are with each of you during this time.
Jim Lincoln
Sandy and family. We are sorry for your loss. George was an amazing man. You are in our thoughts and prayers .
So very sorry to hear of George’s passing. He will be greatly missed by the whole community. He was a wonderful, caring man. My prayers are with the family through this most difficult time,,
Sandy, Georganne and family,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers! George was a very special man! He took care of so many people, including our family, in their time of need and I know we all appreciated him and his tenderness.
Jan and Danny Fultz and family
Georganne and family, I am sincerely sorry for the loss of your father. You have helped our family so much with the passing of our loved ones, most recent Georgia Daffron. My prayers go out to you all. I pray you find peace in his passing. May God put his hands on your shoulders and help you get through this. Your dad was such a wonderful man. May you find the peace and comfort that you all so kindly give to other families when you do services for us.
God Bless All of You,
With Deepest Sympathy, Courtney (Daffron)Rogers
We are so sorry to hear of George’s passing. He will be missed greatly not only by his wonderful family, but by all of Glenwood. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Roger, Georganne and Taylor,
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you throughout this difficult time. Mike and Jane
We are so sad to hear George has passed away. He has been a part of the community for ever and supported the high school sporting programs for many years. He liked to fish & Lyle can still picture him sitting in the boat with his “old” white dress shirt on. He will be missed by many.
Sandy, Georganne, Jon, Jonelle & families,
We will always treasure the memories made when Kathy came to your home for piano lessons. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
I’m sorry for your loss please accept our sympathy.
Alan and Vicky Frohardt
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Peterson family. Track & field was always a subject of conversation when I saw George over the years. The support he gave the Glenwood track program certainly had a huge impact on my life & I’m forever grateful.
Sending my love. You are all such a huge part of this community, and we mourn with you.
Our family is so thankful that we have had the opportunity to know George and the Peterson family. We are going to miss him (and his humor) at piano lessons each week. Sending lots of hugs!!!
Sorry to hear that George has passed away! We have many great memories of George….especially those times when he helped us through the loss of a loved one. The Peterson family has been a part of our lives as long as we can remember. George will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family! Hugs to you all.
Sorry for your loss. Your family is wonderful. George was so nice and helpful when my husband died. Not sure I’d have made it through it all if not for your caring family. My prayers are with you all.
We are so sorry to hear the news of George’s passing. We are thinking about all of you and will keep you in our prayers!
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is very special to the Kruse family, as you have helped us through some very difficult losses. I am grateful for the chance to have gotten to know George on a personal level over the last year or so working at the mortuary. I remember one day, he gave me the keys to his beloved Lincoln and some money to take Blaire and Blaine to McDonald’s. We ended up taking our food to the park to eat and play for a little bit. The whole time, all I could think was, “Wow, I have made it in Glenwood, Iowa. George Peterson is letting me drive his grandkids around in his Lincoln!” Haha 🙂 He was such a kind, gentle man. Glenwood will not be the same without him; he is a true icon and legend in our community. Love and hugs to you all!
Sandy And Family. So sorry for your loss, George was definitely one of a kind and will be missed by all.. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Roger and Georgeanne
So very sorry to hear about the passing of George.
He was a wonderful friend to Dad Stille and will be greatly missed by many. He seemed like a brother to me and I really do feel badly. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandy, John, Georganne, Jonelle and families..We can’t begin to tell you the impact that George and all of you have had on our lives! Our hearts ache for each and every one of you. We feel so blessed for the friendship that Ed and Blake had the opportunity to develope with George over the years. Prayers and hugs to you all and know that we are here for you. Dianne and Ed.
Sandy, Georgeanne and family,
I was so sorry to hear about George. I have so many wonderful memories of Wednesday afternoon piano lessons and seeing George, who was always so kind. He was so comforting years later when our family lost loved ones. My heart goes out to all of you. Sending thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Much Love, Julie
My deepest sympathy. Memories hold a special place in the heart.
We so appreciated all the help and kindness that you showed us in our time of sorrow in the past year.
Sandy, Georgeanne,and families-We are so very sorry to hear of George’s passing-You all have been the rock so many people lean on during their time of grief-I know you were for us-Please know that we are here for you-Love to you all!
Sandy, Georganne & family we are saddened to hear about your loss. George gave us peace & calm when dealing with us during times of need & will always be thankful for his touching our lives.
Our prayers are with you.
From: Dolores & Marion Ellis
Sandy, Georganne and family…Deepest regrets for your loss and the loss of a community professional pillar, a man of sincere compassion and friendship. God Bless.
Sandy & family- We are so sorry to hear about George. Our prayers to you and your family during this difficult time. May you be comforted by your wonderful memories.
Sandy,Georganne,Taylor and rest of the Peterson family. We will so miss George. He touched our lives and we so enjoyed talking with him. He made all of us feel special. I know he will be truly missed. God Bless you all.
im so sorry for the loss of your loved one george was a wonderful man who helped many he has taken care of a few of our family members as well he will be missed by all who knew him thoughts and prayers are with your family god bless you all
Sandy, Georganne, Jon, Jonelle and families:
I know there is nothing that takes away the sorrow, believe he is there to guide you. Through all the years of comfort that you have given to our entire family that comfort is bestowed upon you now. May all your memories fill your heart with greatness, for such a loving man who lives on through you. Prayers and thoughts for all of you. In Loving Friendship Mitzi
Sandy, Georganne and family, I am sooo incredibly sorry to hear about the passing of George. I had no idea until just now. My heart breaks for you guys. Your family has meant so much to us over the years. I can’t thank you enough for everything. George was an amazing man. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we are ALWAYS here for all of you. Again, I apologize for not being aware of this sooner. Wish I could’ve been there. Hugs to all of you!
I am truly sorry to hear of George’s passing, he was truly a very sweet and kind man!!!
Georganne, Sandy and family: I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart is breaking for you and wishing I could be there to give you a hug. He was such a great person and he and your family have meant so much to us and have been there for us through our difficult and sad times. I hope you know we are here for you too. I am praying that God will wrap you in His loving arms and give you His peace and comfort. With lots of love, Heidi
Peterson Family. I should write this to the Glenwood Family. George and all of his family has taken such wonderful care of our family members for years. We are saddened by the passing of George knowing God only takes the very best is proven once again. We pray for you and your family during this time of sorrow. I am sure the community is surrounding you all with many blessings!
Thoughts and prayers are with you all. So sorry for your loss. Take care.
We were so very sorry to hear of your loss. George was always so very nice and thoughtful. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this trying time. God bless all of you. Sincerely, Christine Prax Christensen and sons Bradley and Matthew
Our condolences and sympathy go out to Sandra and the family. I’ve had fond memories of George ever since he stayed with me while visiting Sandra at Drake University. We’re with you and are holding you up in our heartfelt prayers.
Denny and Camille Allensworth
Waco, Texas
Many fond memories of George eating at the cafe everyday for lunch. And, forever thankful for the care he gave to many of our family members after their passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Glenwood has lost a wonderful member of their community.
I am sorry for your loss. George’s passing is a big loss to the Glenwood community. His support for Glenwood track and field has been impressive. I didn’t realize until now how successful he had been on the track. Little did I know that we had a world record holder in Glenwood. My thoughts and prayers will be with you in this difficult time.
I am so sorry that I did not know about this sooner am so sorry for your loss
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