Jay Peterson
October 15, 1956 — December 11, 2018
Jay Allan Peterson, son Eugene “Dane” and Bonnie (Herkenrath) Peterson was born October 15, 1956 in Saint Louis, Missouri. The family moved to Harlan, Iowa in the early 60's. Jay attended St. Michael’s Elementary School and Harlan Community High School.
After completing school and steady employment in the Harlan area, Jay joined his father in the family business at Peterson Gas in 1976. Over the next two decades the business grew to include the 59'er Restaurant and Motel. Although Jay's primary focus was the propane business, he was instrumental in the building and expansion of the family business.
Jay met Lana Merritt in 1974 and they married in 1978. They added two wonderful children soon after, Faith in 1980 and Drew in 1981. During Jay's tenure at Peterson Gas, he served as President of the Iowa Propane Association and was a board member of the North Golf Course. As an avid golfer, Jay was known as a long ball hitter, but most famous for his sense of humor, quick wit, and ability to fix almost anything. His insatiable curiosity and mechanical aptitude had Jay on many people's list of their "go to guy" for a variety of fix it jobs.
Jay was one of the best foosball players in the area. When he was on, there was no defeating him. "See ball, hit ball" was what he'd say, if an opponent was getting frustrated, he’d say you're thinking about it too much. It's real simple "see ball, hit ball" and he'd hit the ball right in the goal with such power and accuracy, if you blinked you missed it. If someone one asked how he made a certain shot, his answer was "see ball, hit ball".
Jay died on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 surrounded by his loving children at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, attaining the age of sixty-two years, one month and twenty-six days. He was preceded in death by his father.
He is survived by his children Faith Peterson of Harlan, Iowa; Drew Peterson and his wife Angie of Foristell, Missouri; grandsons Cameron Jacobsen of Harlan; Jaxson Barton-Small of Foristell; mother Bonnie Peterson of Harlan; siblings Janelle and her husband Stephen Gillespie of Omaha, Nebraska; Vance Peterson of Omaha; Laurel and her husband Doug DeWees of Maricopa, Arizona; Aimee and her husband Bruce Niendorf of OshKosh, Wisconsin; nieces and nephews; other family members and many friends. A special thank you goes out to all those who loved and supported Jay throughout his life, and especially in the last few years as he struggled with his health.
After completing school and steady employment in the Harlan area, Jay joined his father in the family business at Peterson Gas in 1976. Over the next two decades the business grew to include the 59'er Restaurant and Motel. Although Jay's primary focus was the propane business, he was instrumental in the building and expansion of the family business.
Jay met Lana Merritt in 1974 and they married in 1978. They added two wonderful children soon after, Faith in 1980 and Drew in 1981. During Jay's tenure at Peterson Gas, he served as President of the Iowa Propane Association and was a board member of the North Golf Course. As an avid golfer, Jay was known as a long ball hitter, but most famous for his sense of humor, quick wit, and ability to fix almost anything. His insatiable curiosity and mechanical aptitude had Jay on many people's list of their "go to guy" for a variety of fix it jobs.
Jay was one of the best foosball players in the area. When he was on, there was no defeating him. "See ball, hit ball" was what he'd say, if an opponent was getting frustrated, he’d say you're thinking about it too much. It's real simple "see ball, hit ball" and he'd hit the ball right in the goal with such power and accuracy, if you blinked you missed it. If someone one asked how he made a certain shot, his answer was "see ball, hit ball".
Jay died on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 surrounded by his loving children at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, attaining the age of sixty-two years, one month and twenty-six days. He was preceded in death by his father.
He is survived by his children Faith Peterson of Harlan, Iowa; Drew Peterson and his wife Angie of Foristell, Missouri; grandsons Cameron Jacobsen of Harlan; Jaxson Barton-Small of Foristell; mother Bonnie Peterson of Harlan; siblings Janelle and her husband Stephen Gillespie of Omaha, Nebraska; Vance Peterson of Omaha; Laurel and her husband Doug DeWees of Maricopa, Arizona; Aimee and her husband Bruce Niendorf of OshKosh, Wisconsin; nieces and nephews; other family members and many friends. A special thank you goes out to all those who loved and supported Jay throughout his life, and especially in the last few years as he struggled with his health.
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