John Peterson

Today, September 24 , 2015 the soul of John Gordon Peterson was welcomed into the arms of his personal Savior, Jesus Christ.

John was born in Escanaba, Michigan on September 10th, 1940 to Gordon and June (Gierke) Peterson. His early years were spent living in Fairport, Michigan.

Upon graduation from high school John proudly served his country in the United States Navy aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Saratoga CVA60.

For many years he worked with his father as a commercial fisherman. Family and friends were always delighted to see him coming with a fresh fillet or smoked fish. In 1975 John began working for the Charlevoix Public Schools where he spent the next twenty-five years. Throughout those years he made many friendships which have lasted until the time of his death.

John was an avid woodworker and many still have the beautiful toys or pieces of furniture he crafted. He loved to fish for pleasure, read a good western, listen to country music and watch old movies. His Bible with its well worn cover was his source of strength in the trials of life. His joy was his family.

John is survived by his wife, Bernadette (Smigelski) Peterson; son, Philip John (Monica) Peterson of Charlevoix; daughter, Molly June (Doug) Gilbert of Rochester, Minn.; son, Jade Gordon of Nine Mile Falls, Wash.; grandchildren, Kathryn and Philip Peterson of Charlevoix; Anne Patterson, Greta and Erik Gilbert of Rochester, Minn.; great-granddaughter, Natalie Patterson of Rochester, Minn. He is also survived by his step-grandchildren, Kaylee, Brandy and Madaline Stoops , Layton Colbeck and Leala Houk; brothers-in-law, Jerome and Joyce Smigelski of Alpena, and Frank and Lois Smigelski of Southfield; many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents Gordon and June and his only sister, Janie Lou Dittrick.

If you would like to honor John's memory please consider Hospice of Northwest Michigan, Charlevoix Public Library or Charlevoix Public Schools.

A time of remembrance and meeting with John's family will be held from 11 am to 1 pm, Wednesday, September 30, 2015, at the Winchester Funeral Home in Charlevoix. At 1 pm there will be a eulogy to honor John officiated by his niece, Lisa Salois. Interment will take place at the family plot in Alpena at a later date.