A. Raymond Peterson

Arthur Raymond Peterson, 92, died from an unexpected stroke on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston with his wife of 69 years lovingly by his side. Ray was born in St. Louis, Missouri on August 30th, 1927 the only child of J.Raymond and Ruth Peterson. He graduated from Webster Groves High school and enlisted in the US Navy in 1945. Following his service, he graduated from the University of Missouri in May of 1950 and married the love of his life, Joan Springer, in June of that year. Also in 1950, Ray began a nearly four-decade career with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company and after many assignments and locations settled in Des Moines in 1962. He retired from NWB as the Director of Public Relations. Ray then worked for the State of Iowa, Department of Management, for several years leading up to his retirement in 1992. Ray and Joan’s enjoyment of Antiquing and travel to visit children and grandchildren led them to begin a new career together as partners in “Through the Years” an antique store in Walnut, Iowa. His most proud accomplishment and the primary focus of his life was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Ray is survived by his wife, Joan, sons: Vince (wife Sandra, and children: Angela, Greg, Jon), Jeff (wife Martha, and children: Emily, Sarah, Ben, Joe, Matt), Kent (wife Julie, and children: Jack, Kathryn, Jessie), Brad (wife Mary, and children: Abbie, Erin, Adam, Jake), Chris (wife Kristy, and children: Jordan, Chloe), and 21 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and great-grandson Ray. An open house with the family will be on Saturday November 23rd from 2:30 to 4:30 PM in the Harriet Nelson Room at Walnut Ridge Retirement Community located at 1701 Campus Drive, Clive, Iowa 50325. In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be given to a charity of your choice in remembrance of Ray Peterson.