Ronald E. Peterson
July 20, 1929 — February 18, 2004
Ronald Ernest "Pete" Peterson, age 74 of L'Anse passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at his home following a lengthy illness.
He was born July 20, 1929 in Negaunee, MI son of the late Edwin and Anna (Juchemic) Peterson.
Pete attended Negaunee High School until 1947 when he enlisted into the US Army. He served as a Military Policeman in Seoul, Korea. After the service, he worked in the mines on and off for many years. When mining work was not available, he took other work in Marquette (Wrights Electric), Jackson (Walker Manufacturing), Sawyer Air Force Base (helped build it) and Ishpeming (Robins Floor Mill). Eventually, Pete landed a position with the State of Michigan Department of Corrections (Camp Baraga) in 1960 and transferred from Camp Baraga to Kinross in 1977. He worked his way up to Captain and retired in 1986 as Acting Warden.
He spent his retirement going to camp where he could hunt, fish and go four wheeling to his hearts content. More than anything else, Pete enjoyed being with his grandchildren. He and Vi played bingo every chance they got and Pete was a loyal Packer fan.
In his last days, he admired the fishing shacks out on the ice in L'Anse Bay and spent precious time at home surrounded by his family. Ron died much as he lived a�" a man of few words with a big heart and a wry sense of humor.
Pete married Viola Mae Arsenault on May 30, 1951 at St. Paul's Church in Negaunee. They met in 1950 at Negaunee's Vista Theater.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Vi, of L'Anse; their three daughters, Marjorie (David) Johnson of L'Anse and children David Jr., Damon and Nicole, Vicki Fortier of Hancock and children Chris, Tony and Jolene, Ronda (Mike) Dowd of Baraga and children Michael, Gregory and Jonah; great grandchildren Samantha, Austin, Scott, Randall and Jacob; sister Sybil (Carl) Luoma of Negaunee.
Preceding him in death is a brother Edwin Peterson Jr. and a sister Anna Neuman.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, at 1:00 p.m. at the Jacobson Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service. Fr. Greg Heikkala will officiate. Spring burial will be in the L'Anse Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Superior Home Care & Hospice. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is assisting the family.
Friends may sign Pete's guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.