Donald R. Peterson

In the early morning of March 28, 2023, Donald Ray Peterson of Council Grove, Kansas, died of congestive heart failure at the age of 93 years and 8 days.

Don was born March 20, 1930, at the family home southeast of Delavan, Kansas, the first son and fourth child of Milton Ray Peterson and Merna Bowling Peterson. Though he was awarded a 4H scholarship to Kansas State University, he chose to remain at home and farm with his father. In 1950 Don married Neva Veal. Together they reared a family of four daughters and one son. They later divorced.

Agriculture and community service were Don’s passions. In his long life Don saw farming with horses evolve to farming with technology. When financial difficulties necessitated a change in occupation, Don chose selling crop insurance so he could help farmers. Church, White Memorial Camp, 4H, Big Brothers/Big Sisters mentoring program, and Kiwanis gave Don opportunities for building the community and strengthening youth.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, his four sisters and one brother, Glenna Rodman, Olive Schoof, Helen Mayfield, Elda Nedrow, and Robert Peterson. He is survived by his children Linda Lindquist, Beverly Peterson, Jan Troxell, Marvin Peterson, and Nancy Bradfield, 14 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, several nieces and nephews, and many friends. 

A public visitation will be held from 2:00 to 3:00 PM Sunday, April 2 at the Congregational Church in Council Grove, Kansas. 

A public memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, April 3 at the Congregational Church in Council Grove, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Morris County 4H Foundation or Rosie’s Snuggle Bunnies (certified therapy rabbits) may be made in care of Sawyer Funeral Home, 137 N. Union, Council Grove, Kansas 66846