Dr. Peter Watkins

Dr. Peter C. Watkins, D.V.M., 78, of Elkader, Iowa, died Friday, June 11, 2010, at Central Community Hospital in Elkader.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 18, at 10 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church in Elkader, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. with lunch to follow at the church. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Peter was born June 3, 1932, in Manning, Iowa, to Hubert and Virginia (Choate) Watkins. Upon the death of his mother, he was raised from birth by his grandparents, Walter and Maud Choate, in Clear Lake.

After graduating from Clear Lake High School in 1950, Peter attended Mason City Junior College for one year before serving in the U.S. Navy from 1951 through 1954. He then completed a second year at Mason City Junior College and enrolled at Iowa State University, earning the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1961. Following six years of veterinary practice in Dows, Iowa, he joined the Elkader Veterinary Clinic. Peter practiced in the Elkader area for many years, where he appreciated his partners and his clients.

Peter and Donna Hermanson were married in 1956. He was a loving father to three children, Paul, Ruth and Douglas. He was an avid golfer and fisherman. During his retirement years, he enjoyed gardening and exploring computer technology.

Peter is survived by his wife, Donna, of Elkader; his daughter, Ruth, and son-in-law, Bob, of Champaign, Illinois; his son, Doug, daughter-in-law, Sue and grandchildren, Hannah and Rafe of LaCrescent, Minnesota; his sister, Joanne of Clear Lake; three half-sisters, Carol, Susie and Sally of Omaha, Nebraska; and several cousins.

Peter was preceded in death by his son, Paul.

Arrangements are handled by Leonard Funeral Home in Elkader. Online condolences may be sent to www.leonardfuneralhomes.com