"Our thoughts and prayers are with you Sue and the rest of Joe?s family. We will miss you deeply Joe ~ "
In loving memory of
Joseph Peed
November 4, 2020
Joseph Peed
It's with deep regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Joseph (Joe) William Peed. Joe passed away at Friendship Haven, the morning of November 4, 2020.
Born and raised on a farm near Otho, Iowa, Joe was one of John and Dolores Peed's seven children - 5 boys and 2 girls. Joe was always quick to credit his childhood and upbringing on the farm for his work ethic, discipline, determination and an entrepreneurial spirit that would ultimately lead him to becoming one of Fort Dodge's most cherished, generous and humble business and civic leaders.
Joe attended school in Otho and graduated from St. Edmond High School in 1965. After a short time at Iowa Central Community College Joe enlisted in the Army in 1966 and was assigned to the Infantry Division in Vietnam. Joe returned to the states after his tour in Vietnam to work as an Army Public Relations Specialist in Baltimore and Washington. It was during his time away from home, and experiences in major cities, that impressed upon him his deep love and passion for everything hometown Fort Dodge had to offer. Joe returned home and in November 1969 he began working in the family business that grew to be Heartland Communications, a nationally acclaimed marketing and publishing company with titles such as Computer Hot Line, Farmers Hot Line, Contractors Hot Line, Crane Hot Line, Printers Hot Line, Aviators Hot Line and Industrial Machine Trader.
Joe understood the advantages of living and working in Fort Dodge. He always gave credit for the company's success to his employees for their hard work, honesty and values. Joe believed in hiring good people, showing them the way and then getting out of the way to let them shine. He had this quote from Theodore Roosevelt on his desk "The best executive is one who has the sense enough to pick good people to do what he wants, and the self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it." Joe was a master team builder and motivator.
Joe was also instrumental in the startup of another successful Fort Dodge business, MidCountry Machinery, with his son Lucas.
Not settling for simply being a successful businessman, Joe believed strongly in giving back and began devoting his time and resources on promoting Fort Dodge and doing anything he could to make it better. A random sample of certificates, awards and plaques from his office include: Frontier Days Parade Grand Marshal, Outstanding Corporate Citizenship Award, YMCA Century Club member, SSMID Executive Board (downtown revitalization), Fort Dodge Airport Commission and a Special Recognition for Outstanding Contribution to the White House Conference on Small Business. Just to name just a few.
Throughout Joe's entire life he always remained grounded, humble and respectful for all his blessings. He was fond of saying "The main things that make me happy are my work and my sons. My boys are my life and my business is just a hobby".
In 1971, Joe married Maryann King and had 3 sons: Justin, Lucas and Jacob. Joe divorced and has been married to Sue Badger ever since. Joe is survived by Sue, his wife of 25 years; his children Lucas (Shelley) Peed, Jacob (Jessica) Peed; step-sons Travis and Casey Badger; grand-children, Lexi, (fiancé Connor McLeod), Landon (Jaci), Creighton, Jordan and Joey; great-grandson, Tucker, and siblings Tom, Mary Ann, Kathy, Rich and Jerry. Joe was preceded in death by his son Justin, brother Denny and parents John and Dolores.
Joe was a faithful member of Holy Trinity Parish.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at Holy Trinity Church. Burial will follow at Corpus Christi Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by the V.F.W. Post 1856 and U.S. Army Honor Guard. Due to COVID and the family's desire to keep everyone safe, no visitation will be held. The mass will be live streamed via Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home Facebook page.
Memorials may be left to the Friendship Haven Mission & Vision Fund, Fort Dodge.
Tributes
"Speaking for all who had the honor and privilege of working with Joe, I think we all would agree he had a special way of identifying potential and guiding it masterfully so you didn't even know he was charting your every move. He wanted us to succeed and to take the credit, not himself. It was never about Joe. I've met a lot of great and humble people in my life. What an honor to know Joe, and to know Joe sincerely cared about us. We've all been blessed to have watched and have learned from one of the very best. Joe's legacy will live on in all of us. Rest in Peace Joe. "
"Nancy Swanson-Taylor MaryAnn, Kathy, Tom, Richie & Jerry, I am so sorry for the loss of your brother Joe. Joe was only 24 days older than me. I guess we have known each others family's all of our lives. We had so much fun growing up together across the field from each other, those days I will never be forget. God Bless You Rest in Peace Joe"
"Joe epitomized leadership, I have many fond memories of the years I worked for him. I can just imagine how excited he is about all the new possibilities this next chapter holds for him. Please know I hold you all in prayer as you grieve the loss of a man who held such a big part of your heart. "
"So sorry to hear about Joe. I had the privilege of being the main receptionist at Heartland Communications from 2010 to 2011. I so enjoyed visiting with Joe. He was always very pleasant and we often talked about sharing the same birthday, September 28th. May he Rest In Peace and prayers to all family and friends. Luanne Akins"
"Very sad news. This great man provided me with much inspiration over the years. "
"One of the truly good Male Gaels in our Class of ?65. A quiet, good natured classmate. I regret not making the effort to know him better. That?s a terrific obit pic of Joe. Met his son & grandson during the St. Ed?s Fundraiser in 2019. I was on his grandson?s round ball tourney team at the Fundraiser. Terrific baller. The kids even allowed this old man an opening to score a bucket! Joe ?s son and wife were very kind. I trust the rest of Joe?s Family are as personable and as gracious. I am so sorry for your loss, Peed Family. Rest in eternal peace my friend and classmate, Joe. And may God have mercy on your immortal soul. Tom Ferguson ?65 Milford, OH are gracious, good folks. May God have mercy, Joe, on your immortal soul"
"So sorry for your loss Sue and family. It was nice to get to know you both at FH. Gayle Reed ( Glen & Marj Thompson?s daughter)"
"Peed family. Sorry for your loss. I never met Joe, but Justin was surely a good friend. Hope that this times sadness is replaced with good memories. God bless. Mark Brown FDSE '80. "