Doyle “Tom” Thomas Peterson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2024, at the age of 82. Born on November 30, 1941, he was the son of Dean and Elgena (Christianson) Peterson, who predeceased him.

Tom was born in Des Moines, IA but lived in Sheldahl, IA until the he was 10 years old. In 1951, Tom’s family moved to Story City, IA where he met the love his life, Jan. Tom married Janice "Jan" Shaw, on September 8, 1961. Together, they built a beautiful family, raising four children. Tom is survived by his sister, Shirley (Peterson) Peterson and by his four children, Todd (Ruth) Peterson of Radcliffe, Lana (Steve) McCoy of Story City, Tim (Dawn) Peterson of Washington, and Tyler Peterson of Story City, six of his seven grandchildren, Jared Peterson, Jordan (Jared Stiles) Peterson, Rachel (Jacob) Bonnstetter, Brandon (Hanna Burmeister) McCoy, Jaxon McCoy, and Tommy Peterson, and one great-grandchild, Amelia Bonnstetter. Tom was predeceased by his brother, Terry Peterson, and grandson, Joshua Peterson.

A 1960 graduate of Story City High School, Tom was very active in high school activities: Student Council, FFA, FFA Officer, Pep Club, Basketball, Track, Football, Football Co-Captain, Sales Club “S-Club”, and S-Club Officer. Tom was also Homecoming King alongside Jan as Homecoming Queen. After graduation, Tom attended and graduated from Iowa State University with a major in Animal Science. He also played basketball at Iowa State University for 4 years, all while married to Jan and raising their first child, Todd. During his Senior year, Tom was the Captain of the Iowa State Cyclones men’s basketball team.

For over a decade, Tom worked for the Iowa Department of Agriculture, Iowa Livestock Markets Association, and Iowa Beef Producers Association in market and membership development. Tom later owned and/or managed livestock auction companies in Iowa and upstate New York and founded and managed one of the nation’s largest purebred livestock auction companies. Later, Tom worked as a regional sales manager for Hubbard Milling in Nebraska and for Cargill in Missouri. Wanting to be closer to family, Tom then worked for Yoder Feeds, Inc. in Kalona, IA as a district sales manager. Tom ended his employment career as a private sales consultant and livestock broker.

Tom served as the Chairman of the Beef Promotion Committee for the National Livestock and Meat Board and Chairman of the Iowa Swine Disease Eradication Committee. Tom was an active member of the Iowa Farm Bureau, American Quarter Horse Association, Iowa Quarter Horse Association, Iowa Pork Producers Association, National Cattlemen’s Association, and Iowa Beef Producers Association.

Due to Tom’s career opportunities, he and Jan lived in many places throughout the years¬ - Ames, Story City, Ellsworth, Randall, Dryden, NY, Aurora, NE, Higginsville, MO, Washington, IA for 16 years, and then back to Story City for the remainder of his life to be closer to the majority of his children, grandchildren, other family member, and friends.

Tom was known for his passion and competitiveness when it came to football, basketball, and livestock. Many of these passions he had learned from his father, Dean. These passions were also passed along and pursued by many of his children and grandchildren today. Training horses was also a hobby of his, but he truly enjoyed the competitive nature of horse trading.

Jan passed away 18 hours after Tom; their services will be combined. Services will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Story City, IA. Visitation is from 9:30am until 10:30am, Celebration of Life Service from 10:30am until 11:00am with the Burial Service to immediately follow at the Story City Municipal Cemetery. A luncheon at the church will follow the short Burial Service.

Tom's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all those who have offered their support and condolences during this difficult time. He will be forever remembered and cherished in our hearts.