John Maurice Peterson Jr.

John Maurice Peterson Jr., of Marshalltown died Saturday, April 19, 2014 of complications of a bad ticker. John was born the only child of John "Maurice" Peterson and Erma Gladys Taylor in Britt, IA, January 7th, 1947. John spent his childhood in Britt with his father who was a barber and his mother who was a RN. John graduated from Britt high school and gained the achievement of being an Eagle Scout. John went on to attend Buena Vista University where he received a degree in Business Management. John spent his professional life working in various businesses across the state of Iowa and owning his own, "Mr. Dubnicks" in West Bend. John was the manager who opened the first "Denny's" in Cedar Rapids and went on to manage several fine dining establishments including, but not limited to "W.C. Franks," "Country Kitchen," "Perkins" of Marshalltown and worked for several years as the kitchen manager at the "Best Western Regency." John met his ex-wife, Barbara McDowell Peterson, in Titonka, Iowa and they later moved to Marshalltown. John and Barb were married on April 13, 1977 and got along just long enough to have three daughters, before they divorced in 1979. John was a humble, caring, hardworking man and a bit of a malcontent. He enjoyed eating, reading, watching sports, oatmeal creme pies, spending time with his partner in crime - his grandson Cody, and breaking wind. John brought much joy to his daughters' lives and imparted such wisdom as: McDonald's hamburgers are made out of kangaroo meat, that raspberries grow on trees, and that if we ever wanted anything that we could "get up and get it ourselves, because we didn't have polio!" Goodbye Dad, we will see you later. We will keep you in our hearts and remember you in our farts, Love, Angie, Kristin, Megan and Matt. John is survived by his children; Angie Peterson of Cedar Rapids, Kristin Peterson, Megan (George) Hutchinson and Matt Sage of Marshalltown. Grandchildren; Cody, Nevin, Amelia, Bodie, Amanda and Chastine. As well as many friends and enemies alike. John was preceded in death by his parents, his ex-wife Barbara Peterson, and 9 aunts and uncles. John will be cremated and no services are planned at this time. For further information or to send a condolence please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call (641) 844-1234. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for John and his family.