May 15, 1944 - October 12, 2022
Martin Wilbur Peterson, age 79, of Algona passed away on Oct. 12, 2022. Martin was born in Jefferson and grew up on his family farm in Scranton. During his youth, Martin was active in the 4-H program, athletics and played the trumpet, performing in the All-State Music Festival. After graduating from Drake University, he went on to study at the University of Iowa College of Law where he served on the Iowa Law Review. Martin moved to Algona in 1970, starting his own law practice in 1980. He was a 50-year member of the First United Methodist Church and Kiwanis International where he served as Lieutenant Governor of the Nebraska-Iowa district. Martin was active in his community over the years, serving as general counsel for the Algona Community School District and the First United Methodist Church and was instrumental in establishing quality health care for Kossuth County. He loved to learn new things, earning his piloting license, becoming an avid golfer and could often be found tackling puzzles on the patio. Martin will be remembered for his quick wit, dry sense of humor, sly smile and his enthusiasm for seeing friends and meeting new people.
Martin is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Kris and their three children: Matt (Laura) Peterson of Naperville, Ill.; Ellyn (Mark) Cochran of Decatur, Ga.; and Steven Peterson (and his fiancée Samantha Reinsch) of Nevada. He was very proud of his children and four grandchildren: Martin (15), Lenore (10), Augustus (7) and Charlotte (4). He is also survived by many cousins and some very good friends. Martin was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Lenore. The family will host a visitation from 2 to 4 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church on Sunday, Oct. 16.
The funeral service was held at the church on Monday, Oct. 17 at 2 p.m. A graveside service took place at Riverview Cemetery, followed by a reception at the Algona Country Club to celebrate Martin’s life. For those who would like to make a donation in lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Kossuth Regional Health Center Foundation. Lentz Funeral Home of Algona is assisting the family. www.lentzfuneralhome.com