Visitors look at memories of the Peterseim Funeral Home at their 100th anniversary open house. Photo by Sam McIntosh.
A three-generation family business recently turned a century old.

The Peterseim Funeral Home in Kalona celebrated its 100th anniversary Sunday with an open house. Friends and family gathered to congratulate the business, which was first established by Rollie and Anna Barbara Peterseim in 1917. The home was purchased in 1963 by Rollie and Anna’s son Harold, aka “Short”. The business is now managed by Jan Peterseim, and the late Harold’s daughter Meg Nagel. The Peterseims have been active members of the community, according to Nagel, “My grandfather, Rollie Peterseim, when he started the funeral home in 1917, he also had a couple other businesses in town. And he was active in a couple different organizations. I know he was really instrumental in getting the golf course going. When I was growing up, my father who was also in the business, I just remember going all over town, working at the historical village. We had at that time a horse show every summer and he was instrumental in getting that set up and helping clean up after the tractor pull. There was just a lot of activities and community things that we were always helping with, and we continue to try to be active in the chamber and just other community organizations.”

Live music was heard all Sunday afternoon at the celebration from The TeBockhorst Band, The Great Blue Grass Herons, and The Tuba Trio. Attendees enjoyed homemade ice cream and pie, and looked back at old photos and memories of the Peterseim family and the service they have given to the community.