Allen Peter Petersen

Allen Peter Petersen, son of Alfred and Mabel Petersen, was born April 12, 1943, on their family farm near Audubon, Iowa, and passed away peacefully on Friday, August 14, 2026, at the Friendship Home at the age of 83 years, 4 months, and 2 days.

Allen lived his whole life in Audubon, Iowa. He met the love of his life in 1960 at the Five and Dime store in Atlantic, Iowa. He knew immediately that he would marry his sweet Diane June Woodward. They were married 1 year later in the parlor of their pastor's home, and this past Wednesday they were blessed to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary. During those amazing years, they had 4 daughters, Tammy, Teri Dee, Stephanie, and Natasha.

He spent over 50 years as a bricklaying mason and owned his own business, Petersen Masonry. He built many structures around the Audubon area, including churches, homes, and fireplaces. After his retirement, he worked at the local grocery store and volunteered to deliver meals on wheels.

From a young age, Allen developed a great love for cars, fishing, and woodworking. He was also talented in drawing and painting. He had a 1951 Ford Custom as a teenager that he later restored. He painted cars, murals on buildings, and later his coloring pages to share with everyone. He loved traveling on the motorcycle with Diane, seeing the sights, and camping with their close friends. His favorite thing to do, and his best quality, was being ornery and making people smile. This is where he earned the nickname “Trouble”.

Allen is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Mabel Petersen; siblings, Lillie Huey, Levi Petersen, Arlene Nelson, Virgil Petersen, Norma Miller, and Kenneth Petersen. His daughter Teri Dee Petersen.

He is survived by his wife Diane Petersen, brother Larry (Dianna) Petersen, sister-in-law Darlo (Dallas) Logue, daughters Tammy (Dale) Vonesh, Stephanie (Brian) Schlepp, and Natasha (Jeremy) Moore; grandchildren Rylie (Tanner) Clatt, Maxwell (Taylor) Leslie, Brody (Taylor) Schlepp, Elijah Moore, Brandi Rosonke, Kade (Kenzie) Schlepp, Brianna (Logan) Rosonke, Jacelyn Moore, and Wyatt Moore; several great grandchildren and will also be remembered by many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am, Monday, August 17, 2026, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Audubon, Iowa, with Pastor Jeremy Moore officiating. Burial will follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon. Family visitation will be held on Monday from 9 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. A reception will take place after the committal services at St. Patrick's Parish Hall in Audubon. Memorials can be made in Allen's name and left or mailed to the funeral home at PO Box 201 - Audubon, IA 50025. The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Audubon is caring for the Petersen family at this time, and condolences can be sent at schmidtfamilyfh.com