NEWHALL:  Clifford A. Peterson, 89, died Saturday, January 24, 2009 at Virginia Gay Nursing & Rehab in Vinton, following an extended illness.
     Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, January 29, 2009 at St. John Lutheran Church in Newhall with Rev. Steven Rempfer officiating.  Interment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton.  Public Visitation will also be held at the church in Newhall, from 6 to 8 PM on Wednesday.  A Memorial Fund has been established.
     Clifford was born December 6, 1919 at Newhall to Simon and Emma (Christianson) Peterson.  On December 15, 1943 he married Goldie McElree at the Lutheran Parsonage in Norway.  Goldie preceded him in death on August 6. 2005.
     Clifford was a life long Newhall farmer.  He loved being able to farm with his grandson Rick in recent years. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Newhall. Clifford was known for his wonderful sense of humor.
      He is survived by his daughters, Betty (Jerry) Smith of Dubuque, Jane (John W.) Frese of Marco Island, FL, and Alice Kunselman of Clayton, CA; his former daughter-in-law, Linda Peterson Clark of Mount Vernon; twelve grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Gladys Lempke of Moline, IL, Hazel (Corley) Junge and Ruth (Curtis) Junge, all of Keystone.
      In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by is son, Richard Peterson, Sr.; and his sisters, June Wear, Ida Mae Rathje, and Belda Peterson.
      Phillips Funeral Home in Vinton is in charge of arrangements.