Jacqueline Bonita Peterson

Jacqueline Bonita Peterson was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 21, 1933. She moved to Des Moines in 1955 and lived there until moving to Urbandale in 1963. Jackie started working at American Republic Insurance Company in 1967. She retired after 25 years in 1993 due to health conditions with Lupus. It was a wonderful place to work. There were good people and good friends. She saw a lot of changes in the insurance business. When she started there were no computers. She actually started on the computer in 1972. It was fun as she grew with the computers a little at a time. Soon the entire company was on the computer and she was part of the group, which became a paperless company. She also supported her husband’s company, Peterson Pest & Termite Control, performing the billings and the bookkeeping. Jackie grew up in the same neighborhood as John; however, they did not date until she was in 10th grade. Her mom, Bernice, stayed at home to raise both her and her brother Robert. Jackie’s father, John, was a plumber. He was a very hard working man and very good to both Jackie and her brother. Her brother Bob was eight years older but they were very close. He would worry and watched over her, a little bit too much sometimes, she thought. Jackie’s mom did not marry until she was 27 years old. She worked as a nurse at a Doctor’s office until she was married. Jackie was very close to her mom. She brought her to Des Moines in 1989 and found her an apartment at Valley View Apartments in West Des Moines. She lived one year after she moved, but it was a wonderful year of memories and time well spent. Jackie lost her youngest son, Kurt, on January 1, 1997 at the age of 38. God gave her the strength to go on with the rest of her life. Kurt told her before he passed away, “Let’s not shed any tears, for we will be together again someday”. This day arrived on Saturday December 29, 2018 very near the day of her son’s passing. Jackie’s hobbies included reading her favorite author – Robert James Waller. She enjoyed reading about famous criminal cases. Her favorite books are Bridges of Madison County, Just as I am, autobiography of Billy Graham, The Notebook and various other Christian books. Jackie loved to travel and take cruises. She especially loved her winters in Phoenix with her husband John. She cherished going out to dinner with friends and just loved to crochet. A few other occasions she held very special were the get-togethers with family on birthdays, holidays and back yard cookouts. Life changed a bit after her husband of 53 years passed away in 2002. John was 72 years old and shared in many of the same hobbies and adventures as Jackie. They made quite the couple especially when they would winter in Phoenix. Both would participate in full western dress at the shoot out competitions. Jackie had many interests you would not expect. She liked watching “The Price is Right”, “Days of Our Lives” and watching NASCAR races, something she picked up from her son Gary. If she were not home, she would tape these shows so she would not miss a thing. She loved taking rides in the old sports car with the top down and going out for an ice cream cone or just a cup of coffee. Later in life Jackie was confronted with Alzheimer. Her family rallied support and made her feel comfortable. Her son, Gary, and his wife, Cindy, would check on her daily while she lived in the home she raised her family in. They would take her meals, shop for groceries and go out to eat. Her grandson, Rick, would pass the time with her watching her favorite programs and performing the upkeep of the home. Her granddaughter would take care of the financial matters and appointments. She was loved by all of them very much. After her son, Gary, passed away, Jackie moved to Bickford Cottages of Urbandale. She met a new group of caring and passionate people. Everyone went out of their way to say “Hello” and invite her to various activities. She cherished her freedom to have an apartment and all the activities. At the beginning she believed she was on vacation. Dinner was prepared, activities went on all day long and her room was cleaned when she stepped out to dine. She could not believe the luxurious lifestyle she landed in. Jackie was content and very happy. Jackie was many things to many people in life; wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be remembered as a very sweet and kind lady. She left a mark on many people for the better. She will be dearly missed.