Donald "Don" Russel Peck Sr., 98, of Zearing, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the Eastern Star Masonic Home in Boone, surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church in McCallsburg. Funeral services will take place on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the church with Pastor Staci Winborn officiating. Burial will follow at Lincoln Township Cemetery in Zearing.

Don was born on March 24, 1928, in rural Titonka, Iowa, to William and Gertie (Nance) Peck. Like many babies of his generation, he was delivered by the family doctor in the comfort of his family's farmhouse. He was the seventh of twelve children and spent his childhood in Crystal Lake.

Don loved reminiscing about his early years and often shared stories of growing up during a time without electricity or running water. He fondly recalled farming with horses, hand-picking field corn, riding a horse-drawn buggy to school, milking cows, and witnessing the remarkable changes in agriculture and everyday life throughout his nearly 100 years.

Don fell in love with a beautiful brown-eyed girl, Arlene Olson, and the two were united in marriage on February 19, 1948. Together they were blessed with eight children. The young family first farmed near Britt before moving to Zearing in 1955. Don began working as a farmhand before starting his own custom farming operation, which grew into a successful business specializing in corn shelling, combining, and rock hauling.

Always an innovator, Don owned one of the first Gleaner combines in central Iowa. His lifelong passion for agriculture extended far beyond the fields. He developed a keen eye for antique farm equipment, especially John Deere tractors, and spent many years buying, restoring, and selling antique machinery. He took great pride in helping fellow collectors locate hard-to-find parts for their restoration projects. Whether traveling across the country to auctions and rural farms in search of rare tractors and memorabilia or sharing his knowledge with others, Don found joy in preserving agricultural history. Arlene preceded him in death in September of 1999.

Don's greatest happiness came from spending time with his family. He cherished family gatherings, enjoyed diagnosing broken-down tractors, talking with friends and strangers alike, playing pranks, telling jokes, and discussing anything related to farming. He also loved organizing a charter bus to the Fly Wheelers tractor event in Florida and was especially proud of promoting the annual Mid Iowa Antique Power Show near State Center.

A member of Bethany Lutheran Church in McCallsburg, Don was also a charter member of the Mid Iowa Antique Power Association. Throughout the years, he served in numerous leadership roles, including board president, and dedicated countless hours preparing the grounds and organizing the association's annual three-day show held each August. His commitment and enthusiasm helped shape the event into the cherished tradition it remains today, celebrating its 42nd year in 2026.

Those left to cherish Don's memory include his sons, Steve Peck of Stevensville, Montana, Gerald "Jerry" (Ruth) Peck of The Colony, Texas, Lary Peck of Nevada, Iowa, and Michael Peck of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; daughters, Barb (Jim) Rasmusson of Nevada, Iowa, Jennifer Peck of Jonesborough, Tennessee, and Cindy (Devin) Duit of Nevada, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Sharion Peck of Pensacola, Florida; grandchildren, Eric Peck, Becky Peck, Alex Peck, Teresa (Travis) Panko, Christy May, Lori Holland, Andrea (Nat) Little, Lisa (Steve) Domino, Sara (Josh) Khan, Ryan (Ashley) Peck, Kimberly (Matt) Cammarata, Andre May, Reanna Horovitz, Jared Horovitz, and Brittany (Brian) Lenaghan; many great-grandchildren; his sister, Darlene Schmidt; brother-in-law, Bill Willrett; many beloved nieces and nephews; and his special friend, Darlene Eide.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Arlene; his parents; son, Russel Peck Jr.; daughter-in-law, Patricia Peck; grandchildren, Ashlie Duit and Andrew Peck; brothers, Clyde Peck (in infancy), Glen (Ann) Peck, Willard (Gretchen) Peck, and Duane (Adeline) Peck; sisters, Evelyn (Hank) Brower, Ethel (Jake) Lewerke, Gladys (Eldon) Waldschmidt, Edna (Clyde) Tannahill, Violet (Ralph) Jorgenson, and Sharon (Valentine) Trask; brothers-in-law, Darl Schmidt, Richard (Donna) Olson, and sister-in-law, Mary Lou Willrett.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to be determined later.

Fredregill Funeral & Cremation Care has been entrusted with the care of Don and his family.