Dean Richard Peterson, 85, of Burlington, passed away Friday, May 29, 2026, at Great River Medical Center.
Dean was born August 17, 1940, in Mediapolis, Iowa, the youngest son of Albert and Ada Peterson. He was united in marriage to Rosalind on July 31, 1965, in England. He served his country in the United States Army for 3 years from 1962-1965, the last two years in England. Dean graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Accounting. He went on to work for various companies, including General Electric, John Deere, and Merschman Seeds in West Point, where he worked for 20 years before retiring in 2002. He was a member of Danville Congregational United Church and later at Bethany Lutheran Church.
Dean enjoyed living in the country by Geode State Park. Throughout the years he enjoyed farm life, his old cars (especially his Model A), golfing, water skiing, and snow skiing. He loved his family and once he had grandchildren he often took them for bike rides through Dankwardt Park, played games, and showed them skills they would need in life. Dean was kind, compassionate, and patient with his family throughout his life.
Dean is survived by his wife of 60 years, Rosalind, and his daughter, Beth Duerksen of Danville, Iowa. Three grandchildren, Trevor Heckenberg, Brent Duerksen, and Ashlee (Jaylen) Frost; six great-grandchildren; and three brothers, John (Marge) of Florida, Don (Eve) of Florida, and Howard (Phyllis) of Waterloo, Iowa, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ralph, sisters Ruth and Mary, and son Paul.
Cremation by Lunning Funeral Chapel in Burlington.
A visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. with military service at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6.
The family would like to thank the staff at OakView Nursing and Rehabilitation for their care and dedication for Dean’s care and the staff at Great River Medical Center for their care and compassion during Dean’s final days.
Memorials will go to the Alzheimer’s Association and Friends of Geode.