Orlando L. Peterson

MASON CITY - Orlando Peterson, 73, of Mason City, formerly of Clear Lake died Friday (October 17, 2008) at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 A.M., Monday at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ventura with Rev. Daird Korth officiating. Burial will be in Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 P.M., Sunday at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel, 160 E. 4th St., in Garner and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa.

Orlando Luverne Peterson, the son of Norris and Alice (Trytten) Peterson, was born October 4, 1935 at Thompson. He graduated from Kiester High School in 1953 and then farmed near Scarville. On September 26, 1956 he married Marjorie C. Eenhuis at Peace Reformed Church south of Garner. They lived in Wesley where Orlando was employed at Robinson Produce. In 1959, they moved to Forest City and Orlando began working for Fryer Farms. In 1961, he became the superintendent of electrical distribution for the City of Forest City until retiring in 1983 due to ill health. After retiring, Orlando and Marj moved to Port Aransas, TX and managed the Gulf Shores Condos and Pioneer RV Resort from 1992 to 1998. In 1999, they returned to Iowa where Orlando worked part-time for the City of Crystal Lake before becoming the manager of Three Links Apts. in Mason City. He also managed the Rockford Golf Course and Regency Apartments in Mason City. In July of 2008, Orlando and Marj moved from Clear Lake to Mason City. He enjoyed his family, golfing, fishing, camping, gardening and spending time outdoors. Orlando will always be remembered by his family and friends for his positive outlook in life.

He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ventura serving for a time as trustee. He was also a former member of the Forest City Fire Department, Forest City Lions Club and the Sky Warn and Civil Defense Committee.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie, of Mason City; children, Carolyn (Craig) Schlawin of Farmington, MN, Robert (Genon) Peterson of Forest City and Les Peterson of Colorado Springs, CO; seven grandchildren, Crystalyn (Michael) Kaczmarek, Chad Schlawin, CPL Cody Schlawin, Samantha Peterson, Michael Peterson, Hannah Peterson and Brittney Peterson; four step-grandchildren, Marvea (Paul) Vandel, Aaron (Wendy) Jensen, Cameo (Todd) Echelberger and Hope Jensen; three great-grandchildren, Brock, Brayden and Brooklyn Kaczmarek; six step great grandchildren; a sister, Ardella Thompson of Albert Lea, MN; and two brothers, Maynard and Kenneth Peterson of Forest City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Norman Peterson.