In Memory of Richard L. Petersen

Richard L. Petersen, age 71, of Holstein, Iowa, (formerly of Ida Grove, Iowa) passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s Medical Center of Sioux City, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 17, 2025, at the Faith Lutheran Church of Holstein, Iowa. Rev. Scott Bieker will officiate. Committal Services will be held in the Ida Grove Cemetery of Iowa, Iowa.

A Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa. 

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Richard Leon Petersen, the son of Peter John and Mildred Minnie (Sievert) Petersen, was born on December 18, 1953, in Battle Creek, Iowa. He grew up in Ida Grove, Iowa and received his education at Ida Grove High School. Richard was a long-time resident of Ida Grove and moved to Holstein, Iowa, in his later years.

On March 2, 1979, Richard was united in marriage to Karen Elaine Stout in Elk Point, South Dakota. They were blessed with two sons, Jason and Jared. After high school, Richard held several jobs before discovering his true calling in commercial roofing. He went on to build a 40-year career in the industry, working at Ida Grove Roofing and then RL Craft, later known as Elevate Roofing. 

Richard’s greatest joy in life was spending time with his family. When he wasn’t putting them first, he enjoyed fishing, taking part in demolition derbies, and morning coffee time with his friends. In his later years, Richard embraced retirement by playing Bingo or visiting the casino. He also kept himself active by driving residents of the Holstein Good Samaritan Society and his own neighbors to their appointments, as well as helping them with mowing and yard work. A devoted member of Faith Lutheran Church in Holstein, Richard could often be found volunteering for various church activities. He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 46 years, Karen Petersen of Holstein, IA; sons Jason (Melonie) Petersen and Jared Petersen both of Ida Grove, IA; grandchildren Austin (fiancée Zoey Beery) Petersen, Alex Petersen, Parker Petersen, Blake Petersen, Kylie Petersen, Preston Gill, Kansas Gill, and Triston Petersen; sister Vida Palmer of Ida Grove, IA; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Peter and Mildred Petersen; brother Robert (Fonda) Sievert; and brother-in-law Chuck Palmer.