Howard G. Peterson
- First Lieutenant USMCR, Temporary Promotion Captain, USN, 1953
- Active Service 7/1/1941 – 8/13/1946
- World War II, Pacific Theater
- First Marine Division, Seventh Fleet Service Regiment
- Infantry Officer, Passenger Transportation Officer
Rail Transportation for Japanese Repatriation from China - Honorable Discharge
Born in Sioux City, Iowa, Howard and his wife Marilyn raised their family of five, primarily in Bettendorf, Iowa. Howard attended Morningside College and the University of Notre Dame, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree and a degree in business engineering. While at Morningside he was captain of the football team and following is discharge from the Marines, he signed a contract with NFL’s NY Giants. He also worked, for 34 years as a district manager with International Harvester Co.
Having been raised in a loving and faith-filled family, he committed to serving his family and his community for his entire life.
In 1998 Howard was awarded Citizen of the Year by the City of Bettendorf. His long list of accomplishments included School Board President, Bettendorf Park Board, Scott County Juvenile Court Services, Wrestling Tournament Chairman, Boy Scout Councilman, County Compensation Board, Davenport Conference Board, Iowa School Board Association Legislature and Resolution Committee and the National Council of Juvenile Court Judges Reasonable Efforts Committee. He was also a member of the Marine Corps League.
Howard was especially known for his years as Santa Claus, surprising hundreds of children of all ages when he unknowingly arrived at their homes on Christmas Eve. His 6’3” 285-pound bulk impressed everyone, especially since he carried a black book recording their names and check marked with “bad” or “good”!
Mr. Peterson was born 11/29/1923, deceased 8/25/1998, interred Davenport Memorial Park, Davenport, Iowa.