Former athletic trainer from Sioux City, Iowa, Thomas Lowell Peterson died on Sunday, January 11, 2026, after a nearly four-year courageous battle with cancer.
Thomas grew up in the region and attended Sioux City East High School, graduating in 1966.
After high school, he went to Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, where he studied and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1971.
While at Iowa State, he worked in the Athletic Department as an Athletic Trainer and covered many sports teams, including basketball, football, wrestling, and track and field.
He was also selected to serve as an athletic trainer for the United States Olympic Team during their training program in 1968.
In addition to his college work, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve until 1974.
After college, Peterson chose to return to Sioux City instead of pursuing professional athletic training jobs.
He worked for 39 years with the Sioux City School District in many roles, like teaching biology and chemistry, coaching football, basketball, and track.
Thomas later took on administrative roles, including Assistant Principal at East High School starting in 1980.
Later, he moved to East Middle School, where he became the principal and oversaw major building projects, including a large new campus.
Having served multiple roles, Peterson’s greatest passion throughout his career was coaching basketball and working with students in athletics.
Sioux City, Iowa, Community Mourns the Loss of Beloved Coach Thomas Lowell Peterson!
Thomas “Tom” L. Peterson was born July 8, 1948, in Sioux City, Iowa, to his parents Lowell and Helen Peterson.
Living a 77-year life full of fulfillment and service, Thomas passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, after battling cancer.
Among his surviving family, he leaves behind his legacy to his two daughters, Britt and Candace, whom he had with his wife, Darla, before their divorce.
Both of Thomas’s daughters are now married and have their own lives, but his legacy and impact on them remain timeless.
Like their father, both Candace and Britt are involved in sports.
Following Thomas’s passing, not just his family but the entire community seems to be processing their grief.
While many have expressed their grief through posts, his students on Facebook wrote:
So sorry for the passing of Tom. I was fortunate to have him as my principal as a student and even more fortunate to have him as a mentor and boss. My sincere condolences for your family. Your family was his whole heart.
Thomas’s passing has indeed brought grief to the hearts of many, but the family is now taking time to process. His funeral service and visitation have been scheduled.
Christy-Smith Funeral Homes is handling Thomas’s service, which will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a Time of Sharing at 6:30 PM.
Following the visitation, the funeral service will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM at East High School. His final resting place will be Memorial Park Cemetery.
While everyone who knew Thomas is processing through this difficult time, we would also like to express our sincere condolences to his friends and family.
Rest in Peace, Beautiful Soul!
