John S. Peterson

John Severin Peterson, 88, of Sioux City died Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015, at a Sioux City hospital.
A celebration of his life service will be 11 a.m. Friday at Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home.
John was born on Sept. 24, 1926, in Sioux City. He was adopted when he was six-months old by Adah and John Peterson of Storm Lake, Iowa, where he was raised. At 17, he joined the U.S. Navy. He served during World War II in the South Pacific, where he took part in a number of large-scale naval engagements. He was a proud and longtime member of the American Legion. After his honorable discharge as a petty officer first class, he attended Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, where he was senior class president. He graduating in 1953 with a bachelor's degree.
He married Jean B. Goff of Sioux City on March 27, 1949, in Storm Lake. After teaching high school for several years, he became a salesman for Armour & Company and moved to Sioux City. He later sold for Masonite Corporation, Bristol-Myers Company, and retired with Parsons Equipment in Sioux City.
John was a loving son, husband, and father, but he blossomed most in the role of loyal and fun-loving grandpa.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jean Peterson; his sons, John (Nancy Appel) Peterson, Jerry (Lin) Peterson, and Jim Peterson; grandchildren, Jade Klaus, Zac (Braelie) Peterson, Ian (Michelle) Peterson, Kara (Brad) Purgett, Eric Peterson, Reanna Holton; and seven great-grandchildren.