Submitted design proof: The artist's rendering of a clock tower - submitted by The Verdin Company of Cincinnati - that will be installed at the Fort Dodge Country Club in honor of local golfer and resident Lucas Peed, who died last August.

The struggle of a life without Lucas Peed is still something his family and friends are coming to terms with every single day.

They all grieve in different ways. And still mourn. And think about how a new golf season — now just weeks away — will see its dawn without him for the first time in nearly five decades.

Peed passed away suddenly last August at the age of 50. The life-long Fort Dodge resident and 1992 St. Edmond graduate left an endless trail of both accomplishments and memories behind for his loved ones to share and pass along — especially to Peed’s grandchildren.

His regular playing partners at the Fort Dodge Country Club decided a permanent remembrance was also needed at Peed’s second home.

A fundraiser is currently under way to support a memorial clock tower in honor of Peed. Once finished, it will be displayed prominently behind the No. 1 tee at the FDCC.

The project was initially spearheaded by Pat Leiting, Kirk Yung, Mark McBride, Josh Porter and Brad Baade. Head professional and general manager Steve Fuller got behind the idea as well, and the FDCC board approved the proposal, along with the Peed family.

“Lucas was obviously a dear friend to so many of us for such a long time,” Leiting said. “He was a great ambassador for the Fort Dodge Country Club, and he cared about this community deeply. He gave his time, his talents and his treasure to the course and to Fort Dodge, without hesitation.

“He was a part of our regular Wednesday afternoon group, and we always had a great time together. We were all so shocked and devastated when he died, and we wanted to do something for him that was both a tribute and a way to remember his legacy, which would rival almost anyone when it comes to the local golf scene. Even more importantly, we tried to come up with something fitting for his family that would be a centerpiece at the course he loved and called home.”

The goal is to raise $40,000 total, with $35,000 going to the clock tower itself and $5,000 for required electrical and foundation work.

Peed’s wife of over 30 years, Shelley, and their children, Lexi and Landon, are still trying to process a world without dad, especially given the true loves of his life — his five grandchildren — are also now without their grandpa.

“Thank you to everyone who has (or will) contribute to the memorial, and a special thank you to those who planned and coordinated all of it,” the family shared in a joint statement. “It’s so heartwarming to know people care about him this much and want to honor his memory.

“It will be a great way to (extend) his legacy and remember the love he had for the game of golf, the Fort Dodge Country Club, and most importantly, the people he cared most about.”

Peed, the founder and long-time owner of Mid-Country Machinery in Fort Dodge, was a three-time city champion and the 2022 Lakeside Amateur winner. He graduated from both St. Edmond and Iowa Central.

“Fort Dodge was his home, and (the FDCC) was always a very special place to him,” Leiting said. “He gave back in so many ways, both professionally and personally. He was just so enthusiastic about the course, the sport, and our community in general.

“This is the least we can do to make sure people will always remember the name Lucas Peed.”

The clock is being designed and crafted by The Verdin Company, a post clock and tower clock business from Cincinnati originally established in 1842. It will be a four-sided model, likely painted green with gold lettering.

Matt Bemrich of Bemrich Electric is slated to handle the electrical work, with Chad Lennon of Woodruff Construction in charge of the elevated and backlit foundation. There will also be landscaping around the area.

“We went through all of the proper channels after we came up with the idea,” Leiting said. “The board approved it, but we also wanted to make sure the family was fully on board. So we sat down with Shelley and the kids and went through the plans.”

Shelley Peed added, “his five grandkids, along with Lexi and Landon of course, were his everything.”

“He bought the two oldest grandkids clubs when they were first born, and some of his favorite memories were on the course with them,” Shelley said. “We are doing the best we can with all of this, but it’s been awful. Lots and lots of tears.”

The project has a targeted completion date for this June, if the weather and fundraising cooperates in the weeks and months to come.

“We’d ideally like to get it ordered this month,” Leiting added, “and hopefully the work will start this spring.”

All donations are tax deductible, and should be made payable to the Fort Dodge Country Club Golf Academy, which is a 501(c)(3). There is a QR code posted on the FDCC’s Facebook page.

Donations may also be mailed to Fort Dodge Country Club, 370 Country Club Drive, Fort Dodge, IA, 50501.

Giving levels with naming opportunities are available at $500 and $1,000.