Harlan A. Peterson, 61, died at his home in Emmons on Jan. 29, 2009.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday at Emmons Lutheran Church in Emmons, with the Rev. Julie Fiske officiating. Military Rites will be performed by Emmons Louis/Tviete Post 317. Emmons Volunteer Fire Department will perform Fire Fighters “Last Call.”
Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 E. Main St., Lake Mills, Iowa, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Emmons. Family request that memorials be made to the Oak Lawn Cemetery, 490 Pearl St., Emmons, MN 56029.
Harlan Arthur Peterson was born July 17, 1947, in Albert Lea, to Henry and Alice (Christian) Peterson. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Scarville, Iowa. He graduated from Lake Mills High School in 1965 and from Waldorf College in 1967. He helped on the family farm and worked at Scarville and Thompson elevators before being drafted into the Army in July of 1970.
Harlan was united in marriage to Linda (Lawrence) Thompson on March 24, 1973.
Harlan worked at Speltz Elevator in Emmons and for the city of Emmons. He started in propane sales in 1979 in Albert Lea at Superior Gas/Thermogas. He worked for Ron’s LP Gas in Lake Mills for 11 years. He then entered into a partnership, H & K Propane, business with Bob and Lou (Larry) Knutson in Glenville and continued until Dec. 31, 2008, when he retired due to health reasons.
Harlan was a “people person” who really enjoyed his family, friends and people in general. He loved spending time at the farm, camping, reading, mowing, tinkering in his shop, driving Stanley (his ’46 Chevy truck), and napping.
Harlan leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 35 years, Linda of Emmons; four children: Rod Thompson of Scarville, Iowa, Lance (Carol) Thompson of Joice, Iowa, Pam (Thompson) (Russ) Heinzerling of Ankeny, Iowa, Howard (Carrie) Peterson of Lake Mills, Iowa; five grandchildren: Kayla and Codi Thompson, Austin and Marissa Heinzerling and Lily Thompson; one brother, Homer (Penny) Peterson of Scarville, Iowa; one sister, Harriett (Warren) Willand of Northwood, Iowa; along with Al, Ron and Gil Thompson and families; and numerous extended family and friends.
Harlan was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Alice Peterson; granddaughter, Casey Thompson; and nephew, Ryan Peterson.