John Allen Petersen, the son of Allen E. and Clara V. (Juhl) Petersen, was born on August 10, 1936, in rural Jacksonville, Iowa. He graduated from Manning High School in 1954, and then worked as a farmhand for Norman Scott. John joined the United States Army and also served in the Army Reserves. In 1960, John purchased his farm. While farming, he also drove a school bus for the IKM school district for many years. John married Barbara Jean Jorgensen on August 20, 1972, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa. The couple farmed until John's retirement in 1998.

John was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Irwin, Iowa, where he had served on the Church Council. He enjoyed watching sports, especially cheering on the Chicago Bears and Cubs. During his retirement years, he liked the time he spent in town, visiting with many friends.

John A. Petersen died on Friday, January 17, 2014, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa, having reached the age of 77 years, 5 months, and 7 days.

John was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Barbara Petersen of Manilla, Iowa; two daughters, Amy (Andy) Tibbs of Earlham, Iowa, and Julie (Brandon) Bruggeman of Apple Valley, Minnesota; three brothers, Peter (Shirley) Petersen of Canyon, Texas, Roger (Pamela) Petersen of Blair, Nebraska, and Everett (Doreen) Petersen of Hampton, Iowa; four grandchildren, Kelsey Tibbs, Haley Tibbs, John Bruggeman, and Randy Bruggeman; and other relatives and friends.

The funeral service was held on Tuesday, January 21, 2014, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Irwin, Iowa, with Pastor Ron Rasmussen officiating. Peggy Doonan served as the organist. Casket bearers were Eric Petersen, Billy Wageman, Scott Petersen, Steve Petersen, Steve Jorgensen, and Chris Jorgensen. Burial was in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Irwin, Iowa. The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa, was in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be left online at www.burmeisterjohannsen.com