Dale Alan Peterson

Dale Alan Peterson (67) made his last wildly inappropriate joke on July 11, 2024.

Dale was an anomaly in life and that quest will continue in death. He has elected to donate his body to the Des Moines University. 

All are invited to celebrate his earthly life from 1-4PM on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at “The Tire Shop” in Woden.

Born May 11, 1957, to Jerry & Marlys (Weiland) Peterson, the second born. Younger brother to Danny Peterson. Older brother to Darin Peterson and Danise Silber. 

As a child, he walked to school—uphill both ways with a 3 legged donkey. Dale graduated from Britt High School, 1975; Top of the Class (in character). In high school, he worked at Ron’s Roller Rink, entertaining everyone with his amazing limbo and dancing skills. He began work at Sankey’s Gas Station in 1974. 

His plumbing career began as an apprentice for Claire Petersen. Among many life lessons, Claire taught him the most valuable thing about plumbing: “Shit don’t run uphill and payday is Friday!” Between high school graduation and opening Peterson Plumbing & Heating in 1980; Dale worked for Horgen Plumbing & Heating and Gray’s Plumbing & Heating. In 1978, he married Cheryl (Earles). Together they had two children. Jared Peterson (1980) and Beth (Peterson) Toliver (1982). The two divorced in 1989 and Dale moved to Okoboji a short while later.

Dale spent from 1990 to 2019 in Okoboji. As the owner and operator of Peterson Plumbing & Heating, he knew a lot of shit about a lot of shit. He was one of the original members of the Okoboji Underwater Search & Rescue. He was a member of the Okoboji Fire Department and served as the Chief for 4 years. His passion for SCUBA diving led him on many adventures! He was a colorful character who was always ready for adventure. He had a love for old Jeeps and could be found driving around the lakes area with his hair in the wind. 

In 2017, he married Kelly Jo. Together, they took Jeep rides, kayaked the lakes and rivers, collected junk to make into yard art, and laughed! In 2019, they bought “the old tire shop” in Woden and made it Home.

There may not have been a lot of years in his life; but, he definitely had a lot of life in his years. In his 67 years on this planet he managed to create a life to be proud of. In all of the things that he did and all of his accomplishments; he was most proud of his son, Jared Peterson and his daughter, Beth (Peterson) Toliver, his grandkids: Dakota Peterson (Molli), Cheyenne (Peterson) McGinnis (Tye), Michaela Grant, Peyton Toliver, Braelyn Peterson, Karsyn Toliver and his Great-Grandson: Waylon.

Those left with countless memories are: His wife, Kelly Jo Peterson. His son Jared Peterson (Megan) of Wesley. His daughter Beth (Peterson) Toliver (Mike) of Spirit Lake. His Grandchildren: Dakota, Cheyenne, Michaela, Peyton, Braelyn, Karsyn. His Great Grandson Waylon. His step-children: Gramn, Dru, Lexi (Doug). His step-grandchildren: Brenden, Connor, Nathan, Lainey, Adalyn, Kora, Khloe, and Deagan. His step-great granddaughter, Rory. His siblings: Danny Peterson (Karen), Darin Peterson (Michelle), Danise (Peterson) Silber (Jason). His nieces and nephew.

Dale was preceded in death by everyone who died before he did. Namely, his parents; Jerry and Marlys Peterson. His Grandparents. Many aunts, uncles and cousins.