Ethel Eleanor Peterson, age 94, formerly of Garden, MI, passed away Sunday morning, September 10, 2017, at Schoolcraft Medical Care Facility in Manistique.
Ethel was born September 30, 1922, in Chicago, the daughter of Walfred and Esther (Lexander) Johnson. Following her high school graduation, Ethel went on to attend and graduate from West Suburban Hospital School of Nursing. On July 21, 1962, Ethel was united in marriage to Paul Peterson and together the couple made their home and raised their family in Chicago. Ethel was employed as an Operating Room nurse at Belmont Hospital for many years. Upon retirement, Ethel and Paul relocated to Garden where they built their family home and spent many wonderful years together. Paul preceded Ethel in death in 1985.
Survivors include:
Step Son: James (Susan) Peterson of Illinois
Step Daughters: Carol (Ray) Kaspar of Illinois and Bonnie (Robert) Large of
California
Also surviving are Ethel’s grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her parents, Walfred and Esther, and her husband Paul, Ethel was preceded in death by:
Son: Lynde Johnson in May of 1976
Brother: Walfred Johnson
Sister: Vivian Ciero
Step Son: Steve Peterson
Funeral services for Ethel will be held at the convenience of her family. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements.
Carol Kaspar - Wheaton, IL
Ethel was a strong, resilient person who was generous in hosting our family gatherings for years, both in Chicago and Garden. She and dad were true pioneers, living in their 2 1/2 car garage for a year prior to their Garden home being constructed. They weathered their first winter with living quarters in half of the garage and building materials and equipment in the other half. A pot belly stove provided their heat and the best built outhouse that I have ever seen was just out back of the garage. 🙂 We loved her for her giving and welcoming spirit. May we all be reminded of her example as we face the joys and hardships that she, and dad, did. We miss you.
Bob Kaspar - St. Petersburg, FL
Step Grandmother was her title to me. Or, maybe Double Step Grandmother since Carol is my step Mom and she was her step mom?? Either way Ethel was GRAND to ALL! Very loving, caring, sincere and a great sidekick to Paul. Every time we got together there was great storytelling and good times. Memories that will last forever! I am grateful to have known such a wonderful person.