Joel Peterson

Joel Paton Peterson, 18, passed away October 25, 2023. He was born September 16, 2005 in Des Moines, Iowa. Joel was a senior at Johnston High School. He was an intellectual thinker and was passionate about his part-time job with HyVee produce. He took pride in a job well done. He had so many interests which included music, fantasy football, cheering on the Steelers and Spurs, spending time with friends, golf, Formula 1 racing, building intricate legos, playing video games, Star Wars, and anything Disney.

Joel especially loved running routes with his brothers while their Dad threw the football. He spent his youth playing many sports and excelled in tournament baseball and basketball. He continued to enjoy playing casually with friends and family long after his tournament days were over. His playfulness extended to the love he displayed for the family pets.

Joel’s self-expression was not inhibited by social norms, he was always authentically himself. He was a beautiful singer who would often sing around the house like no one was listening. Joel also used his voice for other things, and wanted to change the world for the better. Joel would see a person in need as an opportunity to make a friend. To reach out, to care, to be kind.
Now it is up to each of us to extend Joel's legacy and advocate for change and compassion.

Joel enjoyed traveling with his family and the many adventures they had together. His dream was to be a pilot and he planned to attend Western Michigan University to make that dream a reality. His ambition to fly high will forever inspire us to reach for our dreams.

Joel's legacy will live on through his mother Amy Peterson, father Jason Peterson, brothers Jamie, Jared, and Jaden Peterson, and furry brothers Oreo and Louis. Additionally, his grandparents Jessie Dick, Anita and Russell Morris, Julie Peterson, Gary and Peggy Epstein, aunts, uncles, cousins, and so many more wonderful family members and friends. He joined the following family members who passed before him: Grandma Shirley, Grandpa Pete, Great Grandpa Bob, Grandma Dixie, Grandpa Larry Brooks and Great Grandpa and Grandma Epstein.

His family will forever remember and love their "Joelee Bear."

A Celebration of Life service will be held Thursday, November 9th at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines. Visitation begins at 9:30, service at 11 with a luncheon to follow.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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