Loras Feltes Sr

Loras J. Feltes, Sr., age 69, of Miles, Iowa, passed away suddenly on June 11, 2025, as the result of an accident. A visitation will be held 5 – 7pm Thursday, June 19, 2025 at Law Jones Funeral Home in Preston, Iowa, with a time of sharing at 7pm. Burial with a graveside service will be held 10am Friday, June 20, 2025 at Fairview Cemetery, rural Miles, Iowa.

Loras was born on October 31, 1955, near Bellevue, Iowa, on the family farm. He grew up with a strong connection to the land and a love of rural life. He graduated from Marquette Catholic High School in Bellevue with the Class of 1973.

In November 1974, Loras married Linda Culver, and together they had two sons, Lonnie and Loras Jr. They shared a lasting bond through their children even though they later divorced. Loras then began a special and enduring relationship with Lori Peterson. Lori brought three more children into his life—Kyle, Tiara, and Christina—and Loras raised them as his own, teaching them life’s lessons with humor, grit, and love.

Loras was a natural teacher, especially when it came to farming and fishing. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, planting trees, raising livestock—cattle, chickens, ducks, and geese—and fishing at the farm pond or in Green Island. He always made time for Feltes family reunions, where he became deeply interested in genealogy and tracing his roots back to Germany.

Loras worked a short time for John Deere from 1978 to 1980. Mainly he farmed and pursued a life devoted to the land. He retired in 2018, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, self-reliance, and a deep love for family.

He had a passion for cooking, always saved room for dessert, and never hesitated to offer his opinion—often starting with his signature phrase, “Here’s what you gotta do…” You never had to wonder what Loras was thinking—he spoke his mind. Loras will be remembered for his strong presence, his devotion to family, and his love of his grandchildren.

He will be dearly missed by his three sons, Lonnie Feltes of Bellevue, Loras, Jr. (Trista) Feltes of Miles and Kyle (Tara) Peterson of Altoona, Iowa; two daughters, Tiara (Joseph) Benzel and Christina Peterson of North Liberty, Iowa; 13 grandchildren; special friend, Lori Peterson of Clinton, Iowa; close friend, Hope Gundlach; a brother, Norlyn Feltes of Maquoketa, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Raymond and Leon; a sister, Mary Lou (Milton) Drury; and two nephews, Lee Feltes and Marty Drury.