Richard A. “Dick” Petersen, age 83, of rural Davenport, passed away Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Grand Haven Retirement Community, Eldridge, with his sons, Terry and Troy, by his side. A Celebration of Life will be held from 2-6 p.m., Sunday, July 6, in the Keppy 4-H Hall at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds. Memorials may be made to the Blue Grass Fire Department. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.
Dick was born on March 30, 1942, the son of Arnold and Evelyn (Shellabarger) Petersen in Davenport. He graduated from Davenport High School with the Class of 1960. Dick married Carole “Dee” Palmer on April 5, 1963, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Davenport. Dee passed away on July 8, 2020.
Dick dedicated his life to farming. He milked dairy cows until 1996 and played a vital role in establishing Nesretep Farms in 1976 — a legacy that proudly continues today. Though he eventually stepped away from active farming, Dick never retired from sharing his insights, ideas, and strong opinions about the industry he loved.
He was a proud advocate of Scott County 4-H and actively supported his children in showing dairy cattle at the county and state fairs. A longtime member of the Scott County Farm Bureau, Dick’s dedication to agriculture extended well beyond his own farm. He served on the Mississippi Valley Fair Board of Directors from 1993 until 2022, and upon retirement, was honored with the title of Emeritus Director. His contributions to the fair — and the legacy he built within his family and community — will have a lasting impact.
In retirement, Dick loved old westerns, many of which he had seen countless times — and could often be found in his kitchen, watching the daily farm activities through the picture window. He especially enjoyed family holidays, birthdays, and any opportunity to gather with those he cared about. Always ready to lend a hand, Dick looked out for those around him — not for recognition, but simply because it was who he was.
Dick is survived by three sons, Terry (Danna) Petersen of Walcott, Troy (Andrea) Petersen of Long Grove, and Todd (Robyn) Petersen of Davenport; eight grandchildren, Justin (Jennifer) Petersen, Ashley (Nick) Schachow, Danielle Petersen, Zachery (Abbie) Petersen, Logan Petersen, Joey (Sidney Hambly) Petersen, A.J. Petersen and Alexandria Petersen; four great-grandsons, Jaxson, Aiden, Brantley and Ryker; one brother, Larry (Pam) Petersen of Long Grove; and four sisters.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dee; an infant son, Scott; an infant grandson, Trevor; and one sister, Virginia Marxen.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the compassionate nurses and staff at Grand Haven and MercyOne Genesis Davenport Wound Care.
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