Wilbur Petersen , 83, of Le Mars, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at Accura HealthCare of Le Mars.

Due to state and federal guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private family graveside service will take place at Memorial Cemetery in Le Mars with Reverend Tim Geitz of Grace Lutheran Church in Le Mars officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the Wasmer American Legion Post 241 in Le Mars.  Public viewing, with no family present, and limited to 10 people at a time practicing social distancing, will be at the Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2020.  Arrangements are with the Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars.  Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com .

Wilbur Dean Petersen was born August 31, 1936 in Le Mars, Iowa, the son of Eric and Vera (Kowalke) Petersen.  He attended school in Le Mars and graduated from Le Mars Central High School in 1955.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country during the Korean Conflict as a radio technician.  While on leave from the service, he was united in marriage to Carolene Hettwer on May 11, 1958 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Le Mars.  Wilbur and Carolene lived away from Le Mars while he was serving in the military.  Following his honorable discharge in 1966, they returned to Le Mars.

Wilbur went to work as an officer for the Le Mars Police Department, retiring from the force after 22 years of service.  He then worked various jobs in the Le Mars, including as a bus driver for Le Mars Community Schools.  Wilbur drove bus for over 30 years.  Carolene passed away February 9, 2005.

He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Le Mars, Wasmer American Legion Post 241 in Le Mars, Le Mars Eagle's Club, and the Le Mars Sportsman's Club.  Wilbur enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling, and watching NASCAR.  He enjoyed having coffee with his friends at the Le Mars Truck Stop.  But most of all, he loved the time spent with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his 4 children: Mike (Terry) Petersen of St. Francis, MN, and their children, Katie (Adam) Page, Eric (Christine) Petersen, and Emily (Nick) Solberg; Ryan (Kristi) Petersen of Glouster, VA and their children, Danielle (Keith) Hill and Andrew Petersen; Terri (Jon) Muench of Seattle, WA, and their son, Henry Muench; and Dan (Julie) Petersen of Elizabeth, CO, and their daughter, Samantha Petersen; 6 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eric and Vera Petersen; his wife, Carolene Petersen; and his siblings, Don Petersen and Joyce Lee.