Joan Beverly Peterson

Joan Beverly (Springer) Peterson, 97, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on December 18, 2025.

She was born on January 22, 1928, in Kansas City, Missouri, to James Springer and Pearl (née Easker) Springer. Joan grew up in Kansas City and Freeport, Illinois. She grew up alongside her older sister Jean, older brother Jim, and younger sisters Joy, Jane, and Judy. Joan graduated from Freeport High School.

After high school, Joan worked in the typing pool at Halls Department Store, where she met her husband, Arthur Raymond Peterson. Joan and Ray were married on June 24, 1950. Their early years were spent moving around the midwest for his career at the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. Joan and Ray had four sons during this time before settling in the Beaverdale neighborhood of Des Moines in 1962, where they had their fifth son.

Joan was a devoted wife and mother; the primary focus of her life was her family. She supported Ray through seven relocations and kept the family steady and close along the way. In a home full of boys, Joan raised her sons with grace and strength. She believed family was something you built through showing up, not just something you were born into. That sense of belonging shone in her dedication to the ever-growing clan of relatives, including four brothers-in-law, five daughters-in-law, 13 nieces and nephews, 17 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and whole families of in-laws.

She is fondly remembered by extended family members for her kindness, her attention, and her quiet care where it counted. Joan also made community wherever she lived – morning and afternoon coffee with close neighbors, friendships through Immanuel United Methodist Church, getting to know fellow antique enthusiasts, and lasting connections with other “Bell-shaped Heads”. At home, Joan made 2907 39th Street a warm and welcoming gathering place for everyone.

After Ray’s retirement in 1992, Joan and Ray’s enjoyment of antiquing, combined with frequent travel to visit children and grandchildren, led them to begin a new career together as partners in "Through the Years", an antique store in Walnut, Iowa. Joan’s passion for antiques and artifacts wasn’t just about collecting; she understood the history and meaning behind each artifact. She loved the stories that a collection tells about beauty, functionality, and purpose in things most people overlooked.

Joan is survived by her sister, Jane Taylor. Joan is also survived by her five sons: Vince (Sandi) and children Angela, Greg (Kendra), and Jon (Holly); Jeff (Martha) and children Emily (Vern), Sarah (Chris), Ben, Joe (Julia), and Matt; Kent (Julie) and children Jack (Heather), Kathryn (Chris), and Jessie; Brad (Mary) and children Abbie (Justin), Erin (Adam), and Adam (Mel); Chris (Kristy) and daughters Jordan (Kyle) and Chloe; as well as 29 great-grandchildren.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband Ray, four siblings (Jean, Jim, Joy, and Judy), her grandson Jake, and her great-grandson Ray.

Visitation will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, 8201 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA, followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 PM.

Interment will be a private ceremony at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Joan to Uncle Jake’s Foundation (Uncle Jakes Foundation). Checks may be mailed c/o Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities 3110 Washington Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411.