Carl Peterson, 82

Carl M.H. Peterson, 82, King City, Mo., passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 10, 2026, at Mosaic Hospital in St. Joseph, Mo.
Carl was born on Oct. 24, 1943, in Bossier City, La., to Lt. Carol and Mary Peterson during World War II while his father was stationed at nearby Barksdale Field, now known as Barksdale Air Force Base.
Throughout his life, Carl was guided by a deep love for his family, a commitment to helping others, a passion for land conservation, and a special affection for animals. His life was one of service, compassion, and quiet dedication.
Carl graduated from Villisca High School in Villisca before earning his bachelor’s degree from Northwest Missouri State College in Maryville, Mo. He began his career teaching social studies at Rosendale High School. Inspired by his lifelong interest in science and medicine, he pursued graduate studies in biology at the University of Iowa in Iowa City before earning his medical degree from the University of Missouri School of Medicine in Columbia. Following medical school, he completed his surgical residency at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Des Moines, where he later joined the medical staff and devoted the remainder of his career as a respected general surgeon, caring for countless veterans with skill and compassion.
On April 9, 1966, Carl married the love of his life and college sweetheart, Darlene Guest, at Star Chapel United Methodist Church in rural King City. Together they built a loving family and shared more than 60 years of marriage.
Carl proudly served as a member of the Army National Guard and was also a member of the American Legion. Even after retiring from surgery, he continued to serve others by teaching as a GED instructor and later sharing his medical knowledge as an instructor of Head and Neck Anatomy in the Dental Hygiene Program at Hillyard Technical Center in St. Joseph.
Although medicine became his profession, farming remained deeply rooted in Carl’s heart. Alongside his three brothers, he undertook an ambitious 10-year project to completely retile and re-terrace the family farmland they inherited from their parents, preserving the land while adapting it for modern farming practices and equipment. It was a labor of love that reflected his respect for both family heritage and responsible stewardship of the land.
Carl also shared his medical expertise far beyond his own community. During retirement, he and his brother, Dr. Phillip Peterson of Bluefield, Va., joined other healthcare professionals on several medical mission trips to Nicaragua and Honduras, providing much-needed surgical care and medical services to underserved populations. Following Hurricane Katrina, Carl also traveled to Louisiana to assist in the relief and rehabilitation efforts, helping care for those affected as communities began the long process of recovery. These experiences reflected Carl’s enduring belief that caring for others was both a privilege and a calling.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Carol and Mary Peterson; his beloved son, David Peterson; his parents-in-law, Darrel and Velma Guest; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dwaine and Ann Guest.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Darlene Peterson; his daughters, Shelley (Mark) Kuykendall of Marshalltown, and Sue (RJ) Johnson of Roland; his sons, Dr. Jared Peterson of Syracuse, N.Y., and Joseph (Karen) Peterson of Urbandale; his cherished grandchildren, Owen Peterson, Molly Peterson, Addison Johnson, and Ryne Johnson; and his brothers, Mike Peterson, Dr. Darwin Peterson, and Dr. Phillip Peterson. He also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, former colleagues, students, and grateful patients whose lives were enriched by his kindness and generosity.
Carl will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, gifted surgeon, dedicated teacher, conservation-minded farmer, and compassionate servant to those in need. His quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and lifelong commitment to helping others leave a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him.
A Private Family Graveside Service and Burial will be held at Arlington Cemetery in rural Villisca. Friends may call from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, July 19, at Roberson Funeral Home, King City, Mo. There is no scheduled family visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the George Washington Carver Scholastic Leadership Program, University of Missouri Medical School, and/or Pleasant Hill Church Camp in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 153, King City, MO 64463. Those wishing to express their condolences to the family are invited to send cards in care of Roberson Funeral Home, who will ensure they are delivered to Darlene Peterson. Online condolences may be left at robersonfuneralhome.com.