Carrol Peterson 86, Crete, was born Feb. 7, 1938, to Paul and Myrtle (Sederburg) Peterson.
Carrol grew up on a farm near Stanton, Iowa. He earned his AB degree at Nebraska Wesleyan and then received his M.A. and PhD at the University of Arkansas. He taught English literature at Doane College from 1964-2001.
Those familiar with Carrol knew him as a gentle man with a low-key sense of humor. He loved reading, music and talking about ideas with friends. He was something of a celebrity on the Chautauqua circuit, playing literary figures from the past, such as Tom Paine, Jack London and Walt Whitman.
He also loved teaching and was always ready to lend a hand to those in need. Carrol enjoyed tinkering with mechanical things, making hammered dulcimers, an instrument which he also played, and playing his harmonica and accordion. Carrol will be sorely missed by all who knew him. We are grateful for the kindness and skilled care provided by the staff at the Tabitha Nursing Home in Crete and Tabitha Hospice.
He was predeceased by his wife, Lois Peterson (2024); brothers, Leroy and Allen Peterson; and sisters, Marie Pendgraft and Dorothy Lantz Honett. He is survived by his daughter, Anne Peterson of Alexandria, Virginia; brother, Larry Peterson of Red Oak, Iowa; and his sister-in-law, Kay Adams of Crete. A memorial service will be conducted in Crete at a later date.
