Joel Wayne Peterson

Joel Wayne Peterson, the son of Wayne William and Juanita Haburn Peterson, was born July 8, 1956 in Spencer, Iowa.  He attended school in Spencer and graduated from Spencer High School in 1974.  Joel was a Phi Beta Kappa summa cum laude graduate of Drake University with a B. A. in political science.  After graduation, he worked in Des Moines for the Governor’s Office for Planning and Programming for three years, then moved to Boston, MA where he earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard University. 

Joel worked in utility investment banking and corporate finance with two Chicago banks, First Chicago and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. In 2001 he relocated to Scottsdale, AZ, enjoying the sunshine and warmth there. Despite chronic health challenges, he continued to exude the gentle energy, and kind, thoughtful, courageous spirit that set him apart.

As an active volunteer in educational, political, charitable and church activities, Joel served with wisdom and integrity on the board of directors for the Okoboji Bible Conference and for his homeowner’s association, as well as on several national advisory boards for Drake University. He supported many Christian missionaries and international charitable organizations. Joel was a member of Scottsdale Bible Church in Scottsdale, AZ. 

Though Joel’s life included many times of pain and suffering, he courageously lived life and looked to God as his refuge and strength.  Joel treasured God’s gifts of family, friends, music, sunshine, flowers and, most of all, eternal life through God’s Son – Jesus Christ.

Trusting God’s love for him, Joel went to be with Jesus in his eternal home on April 30, 2024.

Joel is survived by his sister, Grace Jolene Peterson (Altoona, IA), and numerous cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents (Martin and Hannah Hansen Peterson and Lloyd and Grace Combes Haburn).