Joseph Peterson, Jr.

Joseph Peterson, Jr. of Cadillac passed away Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. He was 88. He was born August 29, 1926 in Cadillac, Michigan to Joseph and Gladys (Mudget) Peterson. Joe farmed with his father before serving in the United States Army. Once he returned home Joe married Ruth Lucille Benson on November 28, 1952 in Cadillac where they established their own family farm and he continued to farm the rest of his life. Joe was well known and fondly remembered for his many years driving bus for the Cadillac Area Public Schools, retiring in 1994. He was also an A.I. Technician for over 30 years. He was a lifelong member of the South Community United Methodist Church. Joe was awarded conservation farmer of the year in Wexford County in 1979. He was dedicated to independent wood lot management and loved white pine trees. Joe regularly attended his 443rd Unit Army reunion. He enjoyed good old country music, driving his Kubota, picking flowers for his wife, Sunday walks or drives in the woods. Above all Joe loved children and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Lucille; children: Michael (Sue) Peterson of Bangor, Wisconsin, Bonnita "BoÃ¢â‚¬Â "SisÃ¢â‚¬Â (Rudy) Winkler of Iron Mountain, Scott (Linda) Peterson of Marion, Cynthia (Pierre) Balthazar of Lansing, Patrick Peterson (Gina Jondrow) of Cadillac, Sallie (Steve) Broersma of Cadillac, Eric (Jennie) Peterson of Cadillac and Donna (Joby) Hertel of Kalamazoo; 23 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; a sister, Ruth Francisco of Lansing; in laws, Hartley Benson of McBain, Robert Benson and Bernice Wondergem both of Cadillac and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Carl Peterson and two sisters, Alice Geers and Mariam Benson. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 25, 2014 at the South Community United Methodist Church in Cadillac with Reverend Jim Mort officiating. Friends may meet the family from 4-7 p.m. Friday at the Peterson Funeral Home in Cadillac. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery in Cadillac. Memorial contributions may be made to: American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association or South Community United Methodist Church. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

Joseph Peterson, Jr.

August 29, 1926 - October 22, 2014