May 25, 1956 – February 3, 2026
Dean Leroy Peterson, 69, of Nora Springs, Iowa, passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, with burial to follow at Park Cemetery in Nora Springs.
Born on May 25, 1956, Dean was the son of Clarence and Pauline (Wernet) Peterson. After graduating from Mason City High School, he proudly served in the United States Army. After an honorable discharge Dean spent his career working mainly as a truck driver and was a jack of all trades when it came to construction.
Dean was proud to raise four children. On February 14, 1992, he married Debra Shelton in Harlingen, Texas. The family lived in Texas for several years before returning to their home in Nora Springs in 1998.
Dean was happiest when he was working with his hands. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing, and he could often be found tinkering with projects around the house.
Those left to cherish memories of Dean are his children, Jami (Rick) Blunt, and Ryan (Stacy) Peterson; step-children, Steven Shelton, and Christopher Heitmann; 10 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; siblings, Ron (Linda) Peterson, Roger Peterson, Dawn (Terry) O’Hern, Douglas (Kim) Peterson; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Dean is preceded in death by his wife, Deb; and his parents; sister-in-law, Micky Peterson, and niece, Holly Peterson.
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