Julia Peterson passed away at her home with family on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

Julia was born in Iowa City, IA and raised in Knoxville, IA. She graduated from Knoxville High School and attended Centerville Community College.

In 1970, Julie met the love of her life, Dan Peterson, and they were married in 1971. After living in Knoxville and Des Moines, IA, the family moved to Kirksville, MO where Dan was Director of Bands at Northeast Missouri State University and Julia opened her dance studio, The Dance Factory, which became of the largest dance schools in Northeast Missouri until her retirement.

She taught and touched the lives of thousands of young people in the area over the years in both Iowa and Missouri. Julia’s life-long love of dance began at four years old and continued until her passing. At the age of 10, she toured the United States for the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artist Summer Workshops. Through her college days, Julia managed Sally Kay Dance Studios of Iowa and was a longtime member of the Des Moines Ballet Company. Julia opened her own first dance studio in Knoxville in 1968 and saw the studio grow to hundreds of students. During that time, Julia joined the Drama Department at Central College (Pella, IA). One of her fondest memories was when the college’s National Championship AAA football coach required all his players to take one year of ballet classes with Julia to improve their strength and flexibility. She even made the football players wear dance tights to class. Julia’s dancing credentials and awards are nearly too numerous to mention. She was a member of Dance Masters of America, National Association of Dancers and Affiliated Artists, Iowa Dance Council, and Professional Dance Teachers of America. She served as a judge for the Iowa Miss Junior State Program, Des Moines Ballet, Miss Iowa Pageant, Dance Masters of America “Miss Dance Contest” and the Professional Dance Teachers Association Dance Talent Competition. She studied with masters from the American Ballet Company, Joffrey Ballet, and the New York City Rockettes. She also served as a long-time choreographer for the Northeast/Truman State University Riverboat Gamblers dance line and color guard.

Julia was dedicated to her family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She cherished Sunday barbeques with close Kirksville friends and yearly trips. Cayman Islands was her favorite destination. Everyone knew Christmas was her favorite time of year and their entire home was filled with decorations, presents, and a love for the season, instilling indelible memories for her children and grandchildren that will last a lifetime.

Julia is survived by her husband of 55 years, Dan. She is also survived by her children Troy Peterson (Sherri), Robyn Cox (Marty), Ryan Peterson (Gail), and Daniel Peterson Jr. This marriage saw the family add 14 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

Plans for a memorial service have not been completed at this time. In lieu of flowers, Julia had a great love for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. She would have cherished donations to that hospital in her name. They may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.