R. William Petersen

R. William Petersen passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 18, 2023, at Northbrook of Cedar Rapids. R. William preferred for his friends and family to call him Bill. Bill’s gentle positive spirit, smile, dependability and honesty will be missed.

Bill was born November 18, 1950, in Kansas City, Missouri. His parents were Dwayne and Joyce (Ware) Petersen. He was the second of four children. Bill was Valedictorian of the class of 1969 at North Tama Community High School in Traer. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1973 with a BS in Economics. Bill earned his Juris Doctorate in Law Degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska in 1976.

Bill was honored to be on the 1966 Champion Iowa State Fair Livestock Judging Team and to attend the American Legion Boys State. Bill participated in 4-H, church youth fellowship, football and wrestling while in high school. He enjoyed intramural sports and was a member of the Student Senate at Iowa.

Bill’s law career started as an intern in college. He practiced law in Waterloo, Marengo and Chariton. The majority of Bill’s law career spanned 40 years at the Shelton law firm in Chariton. He retired in 2020. A highlight of his career was taking a case to the Iowa Supreme Court.

Bill loved to bike on RAGBRAI with the Sprint Selzer Bike Club and skiing with the East Iowa Ski Club. The highlight of the month for him was attending the club meetings and get togethers. He spent decades going on these trips. He enjoyed attending Hawkeye football games, golfing, working on the farm and traveling. Bill made family and friends his priority. It was rare for him to miss a family gathering for holidays or a celebration.

Bill was preceded in death by his mother, father and niece Susan Hinds.

He is survived by his sister Katie (Michael) Hinds, of Marion, brother John Petersen, of Sahuarita AZ, sister Eileen (Steve) Weber, of Overland Park KS, nieces and nephews: Sarah Hinds, Andrew (Beth) Hinds, Kristin Weber, Courtney (Eric) Dinkel, Bella Marie Petersen and great nephews: Jesse and Alex Hinds.

Please direct memorials to Fredsville Lutheran Church, 32756 150th St., Cedar Falls 50613 or Chariton First United Methodist Church on 923 Roland Ave., Chariton 50049.