Florence M. Peak, 76, died Sunday, January 18, 2009 at the Crestview Nursing and Rehab Center in West Branch. Services will be held at 10:30AM on Saturday, January 24, 2009 at the Bethany Lutheran Church in West Branch with Rev. Marty Jacobson officiating. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00PM on Friday, January 23, 2009 at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch. Burial will be in the West Branch Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established. Florence was born August 25, 1932 in rural West Branch, the daughter of Anton and Margrethe Christensen. She was a graduate of West Branch High School in 1950. On October 27, 1950 she was united in marriage to James Peak at Bethany Lutheran Church in West Branch. Florence loved cooking in her blue kitchen and was well known for her skills as a cook and caterer. She wrote her own cookbook - "Recipes from the Blue Kitchen" in 1986. Florence enjoyed many different card games, but particularly enjoyed bridge. She and Jim played for many years in two local bridge clubs and several marathons. She was a passionate West Branch Bears fan,often traveling with Jim around the area cheering for numerous West Branch High School teams. She was also a huge fan of country music, especially The Statler Brothers, who she met several times, and the one and only Eddy Arnold. Florence was especially proud of her grandchildren and loved spending time with them and with her cat, Frank. She also enjoyed reading mystery novels and crocheting. Survivors include her husband: Jim Peak of West Branch; two daughters: Patricia (John) Torode of Bellevue, Washington and Kathy (Larry) Grace of Springdale, Iowa; three sons: Jim (Carol) Peak of Salinas, California; Mike (Lisa) Peak of Coralville, Iowa and Bob (Debra) Peak of Billings, Montana. Also surviving are 8 grandchildren: Michael (Sarah) Grace, Steven (Jessica) Grace, Kristina Lehigh, Elizabeth Peak, Brandon Peak, Matthew Peak, Jacob Peak, and Alexis Peak. 6 Great-grandchildren: Jordan, Shannon, David, Austin, Joshua, and Aidan She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 sisters: Alice, Marguerite, Doris and 2 brothers: Albert and Herbert. Friday January 23, 2009, 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. at Henderson Barker Funeral Home Click for Map and Directions Saturday January 24, 2009, 10:30 A.M. at Bethany Lutheran Church Click for Map and Directions