Don was born in 1929 to Ray and Ruth Peters, growing up steeped in midwestern values in Marcus, Iowa. An avid athlete, he excelled in four high school varsity sports. Upon leaving high school, a serious motorcycle accident denied Don from serving in the U.S. Air Force and delayed his college graduation in 1952. Undeterred, Don worked his way through the University of Northern Iowa with graduate studies at the University of Iowa. Don was a leader with varied interests; student body president, a member of TKE, a social fraternity, sang a cappella and in barber shop quartets. Soon after graduation he married his college sweetheart and campus beauty, Lois Braack. During that time, he launched his career in Chicago, working for the Continental Casualty Insurance company.
Seeking new opportunities in Iowa, he joined a small insurance agency in Spencer. Don was a savvy business owner. He built, expanded and eventually sold Peters and Riemers Insurance agencies in 1981.
Don served as President and board member of Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa. He started and served as chairman of Spencer Industries, a drive to enlist industry and medical specialties to locate to Spencer; he coached little league, became a private pilot, was a charter member of Kiwanis Day Breakers and an active member of Grace United Methodist Church. He was a supportive family man, encouraging Lois and their kids to pursue their goals and dreams.
In 1989, Don and Lois retired full time to Ranch Bernardo, north of San Diego,California. It didn’t take long for them to get engaged in the community. Don, affectionally known as Pete, served as a Presbyterian church elder and member of the church choir, a volunteer at the San Diego Police Department-RB store front and the SDPD Air Support Unit at Montgomery Field. He served as president of his HOA, and a board member of Bernardo Heights Country Club. Golf was a lifelong passion for Pete. He had 4 holes-in-one by the time he reached age 85.
Pete loved family, friends and their church and golf communities. His wife Lois, preceded him in death in 2005 along with a son, at birth, and sister, Lois Burnett. His beloved partner, Marjorie Root, preceded him just a few weeks ago. He is survived by children Lisa (Jim) of Seattle, Jerry of Moreno Valley, California, grandson Jerry Jr., and daughter Molly Oitzman (Tim) of Westlake Texas, and grandchildren Teddy and Megan Oitzman.
Pete never went half-way on anything, always ready with a good story or quip. He is a proud member of the greatest generation. Don leaves this earth at peace because Heaven was his goal and his bucket list was full!