In Memory of Harold E. Peffer

Harold E. Peffer, age 93, of Battle Creek, Iowa, passed away on Friday, February 24, 2023, at the Willow Dale Wellness Village of Battle Creek, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 3, 2023, at the St. John’s Lutheran Church of Battle Creek, Iowa. Rev. Randy D. Cormeny will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery of Battle Creek, Iowa.

 A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at the St. John’s Lutheran Church of Battle Creek, Iowa.  

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Homes of Ida Grove and Battle Creek, Iowa, are in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Harold Eugene Peffer was born in Battle Creek, Iowa, on February 12, 1930, to Franklin and Carol (Henderson) Peffer. Harold started working at an early age, running the Battle Creek Grocery Store for Marion White as a junior high student when he was not in school. He worked at the Estherville Egg Plant candling eggs in the summers during his high school years and after graduating he dug post holes by hand for High Line.    

Harold married Delores Arlene Schultz on December 31, 1948. They had 5 sons: Randy, Rodney, Ross, Bruce, and Lynn.  

In the early years of his married life, Harold worked in creameries as a foreman in Spirit Lake, Carroll, and Fairmont Foods in Sioux City. After Fairmont Foods moved to Minnesota, he moved the family back to Battle Creek and farmed for three years. Harold moved with his wife and five sons to Reseda, California and lived there from 1963 to 1968, where he worked for Rocketdyne, helping to build engines for the Apollo Space Program. In 1968, he moved his family back to Iowa, where he worked for Gomaco, Inc. in Ida Grove for 27 years until his retirement.    

After retirement, Harold kept busy helping his neighbors and children with repairs and minor projects. He also served his congregation of the St. John Lutheran Church in Battle Creek in many different capacities, including time as the church treasurer. Harold also was in charge of maintaining the Battle Creek Cemetery. When not working, he enjoyed making things out of wood, like bird houses and game boards. He and his wife, Delores, also enjoyed traveling to visit their children in Iowa, California, Minnesota, and Texas. He showed his love and care by repairing what needed to be fixed in their homes.     

Harold was given the nickname “Pep” by his sisters, and all of his friends called him that.  His fellow workers at Gomaco also gave him the nickname “Wrangler”.   

Harold was preceded in death by a 14-year-old brother Charles; his parents Franklin and Carol Peffer; and sisters Vivian Rittinghouse and Evelyn West.    

He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Delores Peffer of Battle Creek, IA; son Randall  Peffer (Somchit) of Storm Lake, IA, son Rodney Peffer of San Diego, CA, son Ross  Peffer (Jolene) of Cedar Rapids, IA, son Bruce Peffer of Battle Creek, IA and son Lynn Peffer (Patricia) of Alexandria, MN. He is also survived by grandchildren: Robert Peffer (Jennifer), Timothy Peffer (Amanda), David Peffer, Ashley Peffer, Matthew Peffer, Tyler Peffer, and Aliya Peffer; and great grandchildren: Malai, Elliana and Jonah Peffer.