PETERSON MORTUARY - Key Persons


Boy Scout Den Mother

Job Titles:
  • Girl Scout Leader

Carolee Williams

Carolee Rose Garrison Williams, 84 of Glenwood, IA entered into rest on Oct. 1, 2015 in Red Oak, IA. She was born Sept. 8, 1931 at her Grandfather Davis's home in St. Elmo, IL. She was the first daughter & child of James Leslie & Mary Thelma Davis Garrison. She lived with her parents in Altamont, IL on a farm & attended Prairie Cottage School until she was 10 years old. The family moved to Brownstown, IL where she & her sisters attended Bunker Hill Country School. There were 10 students, there was just one classmate who graduated with her from grade school. She attended Brownstown High School graduating in 1950. She attended nursing school from 1950-53. She met her husband Freddie of 44 years on Jan. 2, 1954. They were married May 2, 1954 at the Grace Methodist Church in Decatur, IL. Freddie was in the Air Force stationed in Rantoul, IL until his discharge on Aug. 26, 1955. They moved to St. Elmo, IL where their oldest son Ronald Duane was born on July 6, 1 957. The moved back to Decatur, IL & both were employed at Decatur County Hospital. Their daughter Carol was born there on Dec. 22, 1958. They returned to Silver City on March 2, 1960. Their son Todd was born on March 2, 1964. Carolee & her family were members of the Silver City United Methodist Church. Carolee began working at the Glenwood State Hospital School on June 2, 1967. She was employed there as a RN Supervisor for 30 years until her retirement in Sept. of 1996. She enjoyed her career & the residents. Carolee enjoyed her home, working in her garden surrounded by her flowers & wildlife. Her family was very important to her. Jeremy & Shelby were the joy of her life & she spoiled them by preparing their favorite foods. After Freddie's death in 1999, her children were always there for her, which she was thankful for all of their love & support. Preceding Carolee in passing were her parents, husband & sister Jacqueline (Elwood) Scoles. Survivors include her children, Ronald "Ron" Williams of Papillion, NE; Carol Williams of Red Oak, IA; Todd Williams of Silver City, IA; grandchildren, Jeremy Williams of Glenwood, IA & Shelby Williams & great-great granddaughter, Gracie Williams both of Red Oak, IA; siblings, Shirley (Ray) Hoodenpyle of Walters, OK; Jim (Janice) Garrison of St. Elmo, IL; several nieces, nephews, extended relatives & many friends.

Charlotte Fisher

Charlotte Maxine (Kibbey) Fisher, 69 of Pacific Junction, Iowa entered into rest on December 8, 2015 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She was born March 7, 1946 in Union Star, Missouri to Robert Conley and Neva Maxine (Bowlin) Kibbey. Following her education, she worked in the restaurant business for many years and later was a claim analyst for Mutual of Omaha until her retirement. Charlotte was united in marriage to Lewis "Toby" Lopez Fisher on December 7, 1991 in Pacific Junction, Iowa. Charlotte enjoyed gardening and especially loved flowers, with her favorite being pansies. She was a talented seamstress, loved her animals and will be remembered as being a very generous person throughout her life. Preceding Charlotte in passing were her parents and husband. Survivors include her daughter, Jan Gruber; grandchildren, Nicole Marie Podkovich and Christopher James Podkovich all of Omaha, Nebraska; step-children, Deborah Fisher, Erin Boone and Nathaniel Johnson; Uncle Loren and wife Wilma Bowlin of Missouri; extended relatives and many friends.

Darrell E. Lundy

Darrell Edward Lundy, 76 of Glenwood, IA entered into rest on July 3, 2015 in Griswold, IA. He was born Dec. 7, 1938 in Sidney, IA to Stephen Henry & Viola Mae (Cooper) Lundy. Darrell was united in marriage to Sherry Ann Hukill on Nov. 22, 1961 in Plattsmouth, NE. They were blessed with 6 children; Kathy, Theresa, Allen, Deborra Tamera & Cynthia. Darrell was a supervisor for Central Maintenance and retired from O.P.P.D. in 1996. Preceding Darrell in passing were his parents, siblings; Lois Reeves, William Lundy, Loren Lundy, Marvin Lundy & Glen Lundy. Survivors include his wife, Sherry Lundy of Glenwood, IA; children, Kathy Zach of Bellevue, NE; Theresa (Robert) Hill of Glenwood, IA; Allen (Connie) Lundy of Elkhorn, NE; Deborra (Michael) Heisey of Arcanum, OH; Tamera Lundy of Glenwood, IA; Cynthia (Michael) Maschka of Glenwood, IA; 14 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren; siblings, Robert Lundy of CA; Duane (Doris) Lundy of Fremont, NE; Helen Bomer of Glenwood, IA; James (Ruth) Lundy of Glenwood, IA; Linda (Wayne) Moyer of Riverton, IA; sister-in-law, Peggy Lundy of St. Cloud, FL; several nieces, nephews, extended relatives and many friends.

Dr. Ben Plummer

As a classmate and Erma's High School class president please accept our sincere condolences for her passing.

Erma Leona Ross

Erma Leona Ross, 89 of Glenwood, Iowa passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on October 31, 2024. She was born December 23, 1934 in Glenwood, Iowa to Gaius Alpha and Pauline Leona (Miller) Thomas. Erma was united in marriage to Arthur Irvine Ross on April 23, 1961 to in Maryland. To this union three children were born, Kenneth, Thomas and Ruth. Erma was employed in food service at the Glenwood Resource Center until her retirement. The family enjoyed traveling and one of their adventures was taking a train for a month. There was so much to see and do. She loved watching hummingbirds, fishing and playing checkers. Her greatest love was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Erma will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Preceding Erma in passing were her parents, brother Albert, son Thomas and granddaughter Sarah. Survivors include her loving husband Arthur; children; Kenneth (Deb) Ross of Portland, Oregon; Ruth (Mike) Congdon of Glenwood, Iowa; grandchildren; Kim Davidson, Jessica (Lateff) Jones, Natalie Ross, Constance Ross, Joseph Ward, Bryan (Jen) Ward, Stephanie Ross, Megan Ross, Emilie (Joe) Blankenship, Shelbie Congdon & Christian Congdon; great-grandchildren; Zachary, Graham, Blair, Antoine, Alivia, Lateff, Jr., Brooklyn's Ehan, Jorge, Jacquelyn, Jonathan, Maddy and Nora; extended relatives and friends.

Friday, July

Job Titles:
  • Service

Harvey D. Fritz

Harvey Dale Fritz, 63 of Glenwood, IA entered into rest July 15, 2015 at his home in Glenwood. He was born on Jan. 14, 1952 in Red Oak, IA to Duane & Darlene (Edie) Fritz. Harvey grew up in Emerson and moved to Glenwood his sophomore year in high school. He was united in marriage to Marsha Kay on Dec. 23, 1972 at St. John Lutheran Church in Mineola, IA. To this union three children were born, Lara, Aimee and Erik. Harvey had been employed as a truck driver for Mark Hughes Construction. He was also an ordained minister. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing and performed in numerous plays at Mills Masquers. He loved riding his motorcycle and spending time with his family and friends. Preceding Harvey in passing were his parents, daughter, Lara Fritz & brother, Bernard Fritz. Survivors include his wife, Marsha Fritz; children, Aimee Fritz & Erik Fritz; grandchildren, Chase Carlson, Sydnee Wiese & Zayne Wiese; sisters, Teri Fritz & Sheri (Ron) McVey all of Glenwood, IA; extended relatives and many friends.

Louis J. Jenson

Louis Joseph Jenson, Jr. 63 of Glenwood, IA entered into rest Oct. 18, 2014 at his home in Glenwood, IA. He was born May 6, 1951 in Carroll, IA to Louis Joseph Jenson, Sr. & Evelyn Faye (Blum) Jenson. He was raised in Carroll and graduated from Carroll Kuemper High School then earned his Associate Degree from Metro Community College where he was a member of Phi Theta Kappa. He was united in marriage to Lou Craig on June 6, 1981 in Glenwood, IA. Louis was a retired Air Force Sr. Master Sgt. Following his military career, he was working for the Highway Maintenance Department. In his spare time he enjoyed watching N.H.R.A. Racing & various sports on television. He was a man that could fix anything and helped his family with many home improvement projects. Preceding Louis in death were his parents and sister, Denise. Survivors include his wife Lou Jenson of Glenwood, IA; children, Christine (Tim) Dority of Lincoln, NE; Robert Joseph Jenson of Iowa Falls, IA; Jennifer (Richard) Roberts of Rockwell City, IA; Step-Sons, Craig (Vicky) Florian of Glenwood, IA; Michael Florian of Glenwood, IA; 9 Grandchildren; 6 Great-Grandchildren; siblings, Linda West of Omaha, NE; Terry (Carol) Jenson of Omaha, NE; Jeannie Jenson of Omaha, NE; Lori (Bob) French of Council Bluffs, IA; Mark Jenson of Omaha, NE; several nieces, nephews, extended relatives and many friends.

LuAnn (Brown) Mead

LuAnn (Brown) Mead, 54 of Glenwood, IA entered into rest in Maui, HI. She was born September 21, 1960 in Shenandoah, IA to Richard L. "Dick" & Saundra K. (Olson) Brown. LuAnn was raised in Avoca, IA graduating from AvoHa High School with the Class of 1979. She was united in marriage to Chris L. Mead on June 26, 1982 in Avoca, IA. To this union two sons were born, Jason & Dustin. LuAnn was the office manager for P.H.S.S.C. and Glenwood Home Services. She enjoyed golfing & was the treasurer for the Glenwood Golf Course for many years. She was also previously active in the Booster Club, Soccer Board & volunteered over the years for numerous activities wherever she was needed. She enjoyed boating, tailgating prior to the ISU football games & playing card games. Her true passion was being with her family. She loved her children & grandchildren unconditionally. LuAnn & Chris were faithful members of the St. John Lutheran Church in Mineola where she had been a Sunday School teacher. She fought a brave battle against her illness, never once complaining. Her kind and gentle nature will always be remembered in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Preceding LuAnn in death were her grandparents, Ernie & Kathryn Olson; Russell Brown; mother, Saundra Brown; father-in-law, Rex Mead; brother-in-law, Brad Mead. Survivors include her loving husband, Chris Mead of Glenwood, IA; children, Jason Mead of Council Bluffs, IA; Dustin & wife Kate Mead of Des Moines, IA; grandchildren, Reece Hansen & Jaylee Mead of Council Bluffs, IA; Lily Mead & Elizabeth Mead of Des Moines, IA; father, Richard L. "Dick" Brown of Avoca, IA; grandmother, Fern Brown of Corning, IA; siblings, Robin Andersen of Avoca, IA; Roger & wife Wendi Brown of Council Bluffs, IA; Scott & wife Shelley Brown of Underwood, IA; mother-in-law, Carol Mead of Gladbrook, IA; brother & sister-in-laws, Craig & wife Julie Mead of Omaha, NE; Sheri Griffith of Adel, IA; several nieces, nephews extended relatives and many friends.

Michael Dean Hespen

Michael Dean Hespen, 55 of Glenwood, IA entered into rest on Dec. 15, 2014 at his home in Glenwood, IA. He was born April 2, 1959 in Nebraska City, NE to Donald Dean & Phyllis (Gansemer) Hespen. Mike grew up in Glenwood and was employed with Park Place as a Dietician. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family and friends. Preceding Mike in death was his father Donald Dean Hespen, friend & mother of Jason, Judy Kay Kibbe. Survivors include his son, Jason Ryan & wife Amber Kibbe of Mission, TX; mother, Phyllis Hespen of Glenwood, IA; sister, Kim & husband Jeff Barnes of Lincoln, NE; niece, Elizabeth Countryman, nephews, Rickey Abbott & Christopher Abbott & many friends.

Mildred Beulah (Strand) Hardy

Mildred Beulah (Strand) Hardy was born March 10, 1917 to Beulah and Randers Strand in Sioux City, Iowa. Mildred was the oldest of seven children along with brothers, Harold, Donald, Raymond, Lowell (Bud); Randers (Junior) and sister, Lois (Dolly). Mildred and her family continued to live in Sioux City, Iowa until February of 1929 when they moved to Battle Creek, Nebraska. In March of 1936, her family moved to Glenwood, Iowa, where her father had purchased the local creamery. Mildred helped in the office while also helping out in the creamery production by weighing cream, testing it, washing bottles and doing anything else to help the family business. In April of 1936, Mildred met Truman W. Hardy. They were married July 1, 1938. Early married life found Mildred and Truman moving from Tipton, Indiana to Anderson, Indiana to Kansas City, Missouri to Buffalo, New York where Truman worked in steel mills for the Curtis Wright Aircraft Company. In 1942, Truman joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. Mildred then returned to Glenwood to help her family in the creamery business. Here she continued to conduct all the chores as before, but now found herself cutting and wrapping several hundreds of pounds of butter each week and driving the creamery delivery truck. Upon Truman's return from the service in 1946, they were asked to help out with some chores from Truman's sister in Malvern, Iowa. So in February of 1946, Mildred and Truman temporarily moved to Malvern. While in Malvern, a local banker asked Truman to paint a house. That was the beginning of a 50 plus year painting business in which Mildred was an integral part of support for the success they enjoyed.

Monday, August

Job Titles:
  • Service

Monday, November

Job Titles:
  • Service

Monica AnnMarie Merritt

Monica AnnMarie Merritt, 53 of Glenwood, IA entered into rest on July 9, 2015 in Papillion, NE. She was born Feb. 20, 1962 to Fred & Patsy Ann (Larsen) Shepard. Monica graduated from Glenwood High School and later earned an Associate Degree. She was united in marriage to Tony Merritt on Jan. 17, 1981 in Glenwood, IA. She was employed as a resident treatment worker at the Glenwood Resource Center. She loved her family, animals, was an avid reader and was compassionate about women and children issues. Preceding Monica in passing was her mother, Patsy Shepard; father-in-law, Lynn Merritt, uncle and aunt, Kenny (Carol) Larsen. Survivors include her husband, Tony Merritt of Glenwood, IA; children, Toby Merritt of Glenwood, IA; Felica (Nathaniel) Hazuka of Omaha, NE; Brianna Hockabout-Merritt; Cameron Merritt and Damon Merritt; mother-in-law, Betty Merritt all of Glenwood, IA; grand puppy, Honeybear; sisters, Sherie Covey and Brenda Tracey; aunts and uncles, Carolyne (Richard) Karr; Dianna (Charles) Perry; Donald (Kathy) Larsen; Mary (Ed) Pohlmeier; Terri (Mike) Dittemore; Mike (Sasha) Larsen; several nieces, nephews, extended relatives and many friends.

Ronald Charles Hurst

Ronald Charles Hurst was born on December 17, 1921 in Mills County, Iowa to Ona Grace Alexander-Hurst and Carl Truman Hurst. He graduated from Glenwood High School in 1939. He entered military service in June of 1942. During his service, he spent time overseas as part of the 76th Infantry Division and was engaged in three major battles of the European Theater before its end. He was discharged from the military in November of 1945. For his active military service, he received the Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, a Combat Infantry badge, a Good Conduct Medal, four European Theater Campaign medals, and a WWII medal. Shortly after his military discharge, he joined the Iowa National Guard, serving as Battalion S2, Battalion Assistant S3, and Platoon Leader, respectively. He spent the last several years in the guard as a mess steward in the Glenwood unit before retiring from military service in 1981. Between active and guard duty, Ronald dedicated 42 years of service to his country. After active duty, Ronald worked for Wheelers Super Service from 1945-48. He then went to work for the Chevrolet Dealership for 21 years. In 1969, he began his employment at Anderson Auto Parts, working there for 22 years before retiring in 1992. Ronald's hobbies included bowling, attending auctions, gardening, and after retirement, traveling with the Heritage Club. Ronald was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Glenwood, serving as a treasurer, deacon, and trustee respectively. He was also a dedicated member of the American Legion Post 141 of Glenwood, serving as a Sargent of Arms, Post Commander, and Chaplain at various times during his 70 year membership.

Ruth Frances Grindle

Job Titles:
  • Nurse at Glenwood State Hospital School

Sharyn Williams

Job Titles:
  • Student Posted July 15, 2015 12

Thomas Franklin Colpitts, III

Thomas Franklin Colpitts, III, 67 of Glenwood, Iowa entered into rest on November 14, 2015 at his home in Glenwood. He was born on October 28, 1948 in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Thomas Franklin Colpitts, II and Mary Violet (Spitznagle) Colpitts. Following his education he faithfully served his country in the Air Force during Vietnam. He was united in marriage to Kathleen Ann Lewis on October 14, 1967 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. To this union three children were born, Thomas, Raymond (Terry) and Katy. Tom earned his associate degree and began his career as a Civil Technician. He later started his own business, Colpitts Electric which he operated for many years. Tom then worked at the Glenwood Resource Center until his retirement. He was a member of the Holy Rosary Church and Knights of Columbus. Preceding Tom in passing were his parents and two siblings. Survivors include his wife, Kathy Colpitts; children, Thomas Franklin Colpitts, IV and wife Elizabeth; Raymond Terry Colpitts and wife Stephanie; Kathryn (Katy) Colpitts all of Glenwood, Iowa; three grandchildren, Emily (Aaliyah) Colpitts, Jason Colpitts and Tyler Colpitts; nine siblings, many nieces and nephews, extended relatives and a host of friends.

Thomas I. Nutting

Thomas Irwin Nutting, 84 of Glenwood, IA entered into rest at his home in Glenwood on July 30, 2015. He was born July 15, 1931 in a modest home above Nuckolls Street in Glenwood, IA to Harlan Daniel Nutting, Sr. & Leona Irwin Nutting. Glenwood would always be his home, but before he could settle down he joined the U.S. Air Force & set out to see the world. Thomas married Lois Irene Wiley on Dec. 27, 1950 in Council Bluffs, IA & their world journey began. They moved to Wichita Falls, TX then to Alexandria, VA where their first two sons Donald & Dennis were born. The Air Force & the Farm Bureau Agency, where he was employed in Malvern & Glenwood asked a lot of Tom, and he always met the challenge. On June 24, 1958 only luck, & Lois in labor, prevented him from being on a spy aircraft that was shot down. This threat of danger did not deter him in his service to country. In Germany Tom & Lois had their third son, Daniel. From there they went to Florida, Okinawa and then home to Glenwood. Tom carried his small family around the world, always watching over them. His boys became men & set out on their own life's journey and he never stopped watching over them and the four living grandchildren whom he cherished. A child of the depression Tom grew up with no money, but was never poor. He always had the love of the large Irwin family to nurture him & his sons. As a young man he hardly left southwest Iowa, as a man he visited parts of the world we shall never see. His service to country, with multiple tours to Viet Nam as noted by the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross, was exemplary. His service to family, his community, which he was deeply involved in the Masonic Lodge, VFW, Glenwood Public Library Board, Treasurer of the Dollars for Scholars, President of the Glenwood Alumni Association & Scout Master Troop 243. Tom was devoted to the First Christian Church where he was an Elder and involved in many leadership positions in the church. He was a true Christian example to all & exemplified qualities of loyalty & community spirit. His faith sustained him after Lois passed away in 1996 after a long & difficult illness. Tom proved himself a loving & faithful husband by supporting her & being by her side. New life came after when he re-found Charlene Nelson Pearce. They were united in marriage on Nov. 1, 1997 in Glenwood, IA. Charlene was a blessing, surely sent by an angel to love Tom & share his later life. So a life's journey from Glenwood to Glenwood, what better tribute can a man have for his community, for his home town than to choose it for all eternity. What better tribute can we have for such a man than to call him loving husband, father & friend. Preceding Tom in passing were his parents, wife Lois, brother & sister-in-law Harlan & Marie Nutting; grandsons, Damon & Cody Nutting. Survivors include his wife Charlene Nutting of Glenwood, IA; children, Donald (Paula) Nutting of St. Charles, MO; Dennis (Cathy) Nutting of Hilo, HI; Daniel (Juli) Nutting of Custer, SD; grandchildren, Adam Nutting, Alex (Rachael) Nutting, Austin Nutting & Michelle Nutting; step-children, Vicki Buum of Olivet, SD; David (Rose) Pearce of Bellingham, WA; Debora Hendry of Fremont, NE; Bill (Vanessa) Pearce of Yuba City, CA; 17 step-grandchildren; 24 step-great grandchildren; nieces, Cathy (Jay) McCowan; Angela (Doug) Powell; Cheryl (Tom) Schwartz; extended relatives & many friends.

Tuesday, July

Job Titles:
  • Service

Tuesday, November

Job Titles:
  • Service

Wanda L. (McCord) Graham

Wanda L. (McCord) Graham, 80 of Glenwood, Iowa entered into rest on October 30, 2015 in Papillion, Nebraska. She was born on April 10, 1935 in Dunlap, Iowa to Melvin Fouts and Ada Zilla (Cover) McCord. Wanda was raised in Dunlap and graduated from high school there. She was united in marriage to Don Jones and their marriage was blessed with two children, Debra and Kevin. Wanda owned and operated a restaurant for many years and later worked as cashier in the banking industry. She later married John Graham. They shared many good years together until his passing on July 5, 1994. Wanda loved playing tennis, and cards. She enjoyed watching sports on television and had a special canine companion, Sassy. Preceding Wanda in passing were her parents, daughter, Debra McCollor; siblings, Ruth McCord, George McCord, Bud McCord, Jean McCord Murray and Oscar McCord. Survivors include her son, Kevin and wife Julie Jones of Evergreen, Colorado; siblings, Mina Usher; Shirley McCord both of Glenwood, Iowa; Beverly McCord of Mesa, Arizona; Raymond McCord of Encino, California; many nieces, nephews, extended relatives, her dear dog Sassy and many friends.