Donald K. Peckham, 96 of Clear Lake died peacefully surrounded by family Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
Funeral Services will be held 10:30am Monday, March 10, 2025 at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 1st Ave South, Clear Lake, IA 50428 with Mark Doebel officiating. Burial will be in Clear Lake Cemetery, Clear Lake, IA.
Visitation will be from 3:00pm to 5:00pm Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel and continue one hour prior to the funeral on Monday.
Donald Keith Peckham was born August 17, 1928 in Greenfield, IA the son of Alfred D. and Ceceil G. (Malcolm) Peckham. He grew up on the family farm, attending country school nearby. In 1950 Don began his service in the United States Army, serving in the Korean Conflict until his honorable discharge in 1952. On February 13, 1954 he married the love of his life, Rose Marie Johnson in Northwood. To this union five children were born: Tyies, Donald Jr., Vickie, Linda and Ted. For all of his working career Don worked at the Clear Lake Bakery, working wherever he was needed, but mostly as a semi driver, until his retirement in the late 90’s.
Donald was a man who found joy in both the simple and grand adventures of life. In his younger years, he loved fishing and packing up the family for camping trips, often turning annual vacations into road-trip adventures filled with campfires and memories. As the years went on, he and Rose embraced travel together, exploring destinations both in the U.S. and abroad. No matter where life took him, Don’s heart was always with his family. He cherished time spent with his children and later, his grandchildren, never missing a chance to cheer them on from the stands. A quiet yet strong presence, Don was hardworking, stubborn when he needed to be, and fiercely devoted to his loved ones. He found fulfillment in providing for his family and took pride in a full house, where laughter and love were always welcomed.
A longtime member of the Clear Lake VFW, Don carried with him the quiet strength, loyalty, and dedication of his service—qualities that shaped not only his years in uniform but the way he loved and provided for his family every single day.
Surviving are his children, Tyies (Ron) Andersen of Clear Lake, Vickie (Raymond) Greeley of Clear Lake, Linda (David) Richardson of Clear Lake, and Ted (Lisa) Peckham of Minot, ND; grandchildren, Ally (Drew) Dana, Ryan Andersen, Darell Peckham, Dan Shipton, Jennifer (Nick) Cutelli, Scott (Julie) Shipton, Brenda (Brian) Horneff, Olivia (Brock) Negrete, Dylan (Shiho) Peckham,and Heather (Andrew) Bennett; great-grandchildren, Noa Dana, Jackson and Landon Peckham, Charlie Shipton, Nicko Cutelli, Beckett Shipton, Christgen Peirce, Destiny Pabst, Luca and Miles Negrete, Kyoya Peckham, Oliver and Colton Bennett; two great-great grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends.
Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rose; parents; son, Donald Peckham, Jr; grandson, Jesse Richardson; two brothers, Kenneth and Gerald, and a sister, Norma Jean Tedder.
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