Ask Mr. Answer Person: "How did 'Pokey Pete' get his nickname?"

"Pokey Pete" (front left) and Decorah LIons Club members Steve Tjossem, Karl Jacobsen, John Tjoseem and Rich Svenson

Mr. Answer Person has tackled some tough questions in the past--but none as tough as this question from from Jeff: "Why is 'Pokey Pete' called 'Pokey Pete'?"

Mr. Answer Person knew there was only one way to get the official answer--by talking to "Pokey," err--"Pete."  Which is how Mr. Answer Person learned the story about the second half of the nickname--"Pete."

It turns out "Pete" is actually "Ernest Petersen" of Cedar Falls when he is not driving a homemade train around at community celebration in the Midwest.  Like lots of people named "Petersen," Ernest has been known as "Pete."

When asked where the first part of his nickname comes from, Petersen says "I needed something to go with 'Pete'--and I couldn't use 'Smokey."

So there you have it--"Pokey Pete," it turns out, gave himself his famous nickname!