We are express our deepest sympathy to the Pfotenhaur family for your loss. Karl will always be remembered by us as such a friendly and kind boy. Our hearts go out to you and you have been in our thoughts and prayers,
Mary Bogaudo & the Bogaudo family
Bark River, MI
Doc Tom, Please know that I am deeply sorry for your loss. My prayers will continue in your behalf so that you find the strength you need during this tragic time.
Mary Beauchamp
Wells, MI
Dear Tom,Linda and all the relatives of Karl. My deepest sympathy to all of you during this difficult time. May God be you and find you peace. I will remeber you and your family in my prayers daily.
Judy(O’Connell)Warner
Escanaba, MI
We are very sorry for your loss and as we not know you in person we just want to express our deepest sympathie from Belgium. We are friends of Stephanie and Kris Pfotenhauer from overseas and they told us about the terrible news.
Patrick & Sabine Ottenheijm
Lanaken, Belgium
Linda – you and your family are in our prayers. I loved Karl – I always enjoyed his performances, especially drum line. The world has lost a fine young man. God be with you and yours at this very difficult time.
Mary Lou Heberlein
Haslett, MI
Tom, you have my most sincere condolences in your loss. I did not know your son, but did grow up next door to you, so I know he was from a good family.
Brian Roy Olson
Lexington Park, MD
The Pearl family send their prayers to the Pfotenhauer’s. May you be carried through this time of sorrow by God.
You will be in our daily prayers.
Bill, Linda, Jay, Marc (Katrina), Dan (Brandi) and Corey
Linda and William Pearl
Escanaba, MI
Rick and I were so saddened to hear about Karl. Plese accept our deepest sympathy, many thoughts and prayers for your entire family. Let faith be your strength at this time and hold on to all those treasured memories that you are so fortunate to have been able to share with Karl. God Bless you all.
Sending you a big hug Kim & Linda 🙂
Rick and Carol Brazeau
Hudsonville, MI
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jan and Dave Curtis
Grand Blanc, MI
Dear Linda and Family,
Aunt Muriel called us yesterday to let us know about Karl. We are so sorry to learn of his death.
Please know we will keep all of you in our thought and prayers and know that our Heavenly Father in always there to comfort you. We are truly sorry we never had the opportunity to meet Karl, but we will see him again when Jesus returns to take us home.
Roger and Pat Christiansen
Mound, MN
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very sad time. We pray you will experience God’s arms around you.
Judy and Charlie Vader
Escanaba, MI
We are very sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers in your time of need.
Chris & Stacy Jost
Cleveland, WI
I didn’t know Karl. However, I thought this would be an opportunity to send my condolences to a family that, as I recall so vividly, did so much for the community when I was younger. This was not only as a result of their chosen profession, but because they were involved in so many activities to serve. May God heal your hearts and strengthen you and your faith at this time. (I grew up in Rapid River and participated in some of Gladstone’s civic activities. My folks owned Ray’s Market in Rapid River for over 30 years.)
Bill Morin
Kentwood, MI
I just wanted to express my sympathy in the loss of your son. Karl was born the same month as my son, Danny Altmeyer, and they once played little league baseball together in Escanaba as very little boys! Karl is remembered as a very friendly and loving little boy! I still have the copy of the baseball team of the boys, if you all do not have a copy! May God grant you peace and serenity in this time of sorrow! I am sorry for your loss!
Mary Robinson
Escanaba, MI
LInda and Tom,
I have no idea how you are getting through this,but Bill and I want your to know that we are thinking of you and your family at this time. It is out of sink to have a youngster go before us.
Our Prayers are with you all.
Linda ,I will always think of you and Karl making your way down the hall out side my Art room door .I think you were bringing in an instrument for someone. I could always pick out Karl’s prance.Wwe are sorry for your lose.
Bill and Donna Perron
Escanaba, MI
While being in attendance at LCC drama practices, my daughter asked Karl to help her draw angel wings on a drawing she was making of her great grandmother. He happily helped my 9 year old with her drawing. That was quite a kid to sit on the floor amidst all of the peers and color/draw with a little girl. He always had a smile on his face and was entertaining to watch on the stage. We will not forget him. Karl has earned his wings… My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Mari (Bergman) Murphy
Grand Ledge, MI
Dr. Tom & family,
Both Ed and I are very sorry to hear about your loss. May God give you peace as you hold on to the memories that you have. God be with you all.
Ed & Audette Olson
Gladstone, MI
Dear Linda, Karl was a great friend to Michael when they were young. Mike was very upset when we told him about Karl. His loving smile and laugh is what I remember most about him. He was part of our family. Remember how they were either at your house or ours. Our prayers go out to you and all of Karl’s family.
Julie, Tim and Michael Bishop
Escanaba, MI
Our deepest sympathy and we too will carry Karl’s memory in our hearts.
Gods Peace,
Gordon, Betsy and Eli Pekuri
Ironwood, MI
We will miss Karl his passion for everything he participated in. We enjoyed watching him grow to love baseball and to learn about the fine aspects of the game and his willingness to do what ever it took to help the team.
Kevin and Karen McNamara and family
Haslett, MI
Karl came to St. Thomas Aquinas School from Escanaba, and I was lucky enough to be one of his fourth grade teachers that first year. Karl is a student that I will always remember, because he continually had a smile on his face and a kind word to share with those around him. Because of this, the children quickly respected him and embraced him as one of their new friends and classmates. I know that Karl will be greatly missed by the St. Thomas and Lansing Catholic communities. My thoughts and prayers are with Linda and the whole Photenhauer family.
God bless,
Missy Finelli,
Karl’s STA Fourth Grade Teacher
Williamston, MI
Linda & Family,
Tom and I are very sorry to hear of your loss. Karl and Tom had many great times in Cub Scouts as well as other outings. Please know that we are thinking and praying for you.
May you find peace in your sorrow
Perry
Thank you for always sharing your mind, heart and soul.
Your spirit will always flow in the whitefish
Ryan M Bergquist
Angola, IN
Perry Peterson was a very kind, perceptive and dedicated individual. His commitment to the greater Rapid River community. He strived in every instance to support and encourage the growth and good of his hometown. His wide travels and myriad professional experiences only added to his dedication and expertise. I met him over coffee at Jack’s Restaurant many times and it was he who encouraged me to support the Omni Center and assist with its growth and utlization. His presence will be missed. His dedication to his community was extraordinary.
William J. Green
Wausau, WI
Perry Peterson was a person that saw a good light in anyone he met. He did many things for the community of Rapid River over the years that will be with us for many years to come. Perry and I have been friends for almost 15yrs and he has told me many life lessons that have made me a better person today. I was able to see Perry 12-26-09 we had a great emotional visit and he was so happy to see me. We talked about old times and about him not being with us anymore. He told me he had lived a good life and made the world a little better with his community involvement.
Kory Decremer
Rapid River, MI
No boundrys for Mr. Perry and that influenced my three children. The opportunity for each to ask him questions that would be answered with sincerity and truth to go and explore. Perry would have wise and thought provoking answers for each. Our family was gifted with Amanda and her love of stamp collecting to be shared by Perry always caring enough to have new and not found yet stamps for Amanda. Together we would hear wonderful stories of places in the world;. And the opportunity to join in has now come to Amanda. A graduate of N.M.U. Amanda is serving in the Peace Corps in Tanzania East Africa and We say
Asante (sana) Thank you very much for such a trail plazing, caring individual. A blessing for us to have known Perry Peterson.
We send family Condolences.
Andy, Corey, & Amanda Boyle – Aspell Mary
Rapid River, MI
My earliest recollection of Perry was when I worked at Jack’s Restaurant. He always encouraged us to further our educations and invited us to go swimming in the Whitefish at his place. My husband’s class ring is somewhere on the bottom of the Whitefish from a swim there! My next recollection was working with (mainly typing) for he and Hugh Harris Sr. on the renovation project to the old high school. They worked tirelessly to make the Omni Center/Riverside Manor a reality. Yes, making this a better place for everyone was what he strived for. Lastly, his visits to Rapid River Public Schools were always thought provoking and entertaining. He wanted to share ways to improve the education of Rapid River students and students everywhere. I, too, will always remember his hearty laugh!
Sandy Deneau
Rapid River, MI
Perry taught me about hard work and having a sense of humor. I’m now aware as an adult about his sense of humor but not as a teen whose teenage summer relationship was too intense. My mother May, (Hannah, as Perry called her; it was her middle name that my mother hated) Bergman, arranged for me to leave Battle Creek and my oh so serious boyfriend at age 16 for the “Lodge” for 2 weeks during the summer. Perry had my cousin Mary Munson(her mother was Ester, Perry’s cousin)and I to stay with him. Perry had chores for us to do each day. He gave us each a paint brush and told us to paint the tree stumps for two weeks. I graduated to painting the lines on the Tennis Courts (I don’t remember electricity up at the Lodge, yet we had tennis courts!). My oh so serious teenage boyfriend somehow found the Lodge and showed up to visit. Perry met him outside at his car apparently and I never even knew he showed up to visit me until I was home in Battle Creek. It was a 9 hour drive one way for that young man to visit. I look back and laugh!
Perry had our best interests at heart and seemed to speak to you individually as if you were one of the most capable individuals. I loved his great, wide smile. Mom always loved his sense of fun and practical jokes. I admired his educational accomplishments. They gave me the courage I needed to form my own educational goals knowing I came from family that was so accompished and smart.
Susan Mae Friedlund-Flees
Battle Creek, MI
Perry was someone who I always looked forward to spending time with. Each moment was an adventure, a challenge, and a wonderful mental exercise. Laced with the humor only he could provide his stories and wit captivated my heart and his laughter, larger than life itself, made all who heard it understand the delight with which he embraced life. He provided me with the security that comes from knowing who you are by sharing with me our rich heritage and he helped define for me my place in the world. I will always feel blessed to have had him in my life and will never forget all of the wonderful memories.
He always teased me about the summer when he brought my first puppy love, David Douglas, to The Farm. We ventured down the Whitefish in search of Indian artifacts, caught fish, blazed trails through the forest on horseback, played Smear, War, and double solitaire all the while listening to the stories Perry would tell. I learned a lot of lessons from Perry and I got my first kiss on top of the blueberry hill from David Douglas. He never let me forget it. Not that I would.
Lynda Bergquist Slaggert
Saginaw, MI
My earliest connections with Perry Peterson were the accountings of my school friend, Dr. Margaret Soderberg. Mr. Peterson hosted a dinner party at the Log Cabin and Margaret could bring a friend…and that friend was me. It was an evening that made an impression on me…we were allowed to order lobster, a new experience at a young age. He was a most interesting person to listen to as he had many travel experiences.
When he returned to Rapid River to live the community embraced a very giving individual. He will be long remembered. Our sympathy, Pete and Cindy Brock
our area just won’t be the same without Perry’s smile and wisdom.
Al Ison
Bark River, MI
Ellen & Judy,
This is a loss of a great man. It was sad to see him suffer in the last years. I will check back here to see if arrangements have been made.
Christine Vandervoort
Williamston, MI
We always enjoyed conversations with Perry and will remember his kindness and generosity in extending his hospitality at The Lodge. We were impressed by his devotion to preserving that slice of Heaven and appreciate the fact that he made it available to so many. In addition, he was an interesting individual, with views on life near and far, and a desire to make the world a better place for future generations. He will be missed.
I remember your Mom….from my youth. She was always welcoming and kind to all “us” neighborhood kids…..My prayers and thoughts are with you in this time of loss!
Betsy Gasperich-Miller
Richton Park, IL
Roger and Family – you have our deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother and we hope your memories will help ease your sorrow.
Rich and Donna Cole
Springfield, MO
Rick, Jerry, Roger and family
In the stars that shine, the flowers that bloom, or in a gently breeze may you feel the presence of your Mom, and be comforted by her treasured memories.
Unable to attend her service.
You have been in our thoughts and prayers.
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Elizabeth Ebbesen.
Linda and Les Delvaux
Gladstone, MI
Our deepest condolences to Brian Ebbesen and your entire family for the loss of your grandma, Liz Ebbesen.
Peter Johnson/Craig Bloomer
Chicago, IL
To Roger, Jerry and Rick may your cherished memories of your mother give you comfort at this time of your loss. I never will for get how nice your mother was to me.
Sorry for your loss, how we all loved Selma, all of us 4-H KIDS..To this day when ever I take a picture and I take more than one I think of her as she would have us all stand there as she took a picture with about 3 different cameras
Cheryl Wilcox Patrick
Rock, MI
My name is Steven Morgan and i am one of the great grandsons of Selma Weldum. I visited her once when i was younger and i still remember her smile. I remember the time she cooked us the pike we caught from the Escanaba river. She lived a beautiful and wonderful life and thats what everybody should try for. love you, Steven
Steven Morgan
Fort Knox, KY
Selma was a very special friend to my mom as well as a wonderful 4-H leader. My sister and I lived near her and visited her frequently as she loved to show us her flowers. Her husband Albert would always show us around the sawmill. We will miss your annual newsletters and you.
Pam Walusek
Mokena, IL
Memories go back fifty years and your mom’s coming to Rock Chapel on account of her children being involved in a program. I visited her at her home and later at a convalescent home in Negaunee.
John Small
Yakima, WA
The first time we saw Selma: She opened the door and gave us both a big hug. She was a stranger to us but we were family to her and she made us realize in 30 seconds or less that we WERE FAMILY to her.
We loved her pear pies which we always had for dessert.
She shared many family stories with us and sent us many letters and pictures telling of the family history. She tried to catch us up on all the years we had not known her and her wonderful family. She was a grand lady with a powerful little smile and great little chuckle.
It was sad for me when we could no longer communicate by phone due to the Parkinsons which took over her life in the past few years. We really missed hearing the news about her family. We will always cherish her hand typed letters full of memories with all her little hand written oops! and corrections in ink…and the last always…Love Selma and Albert
Bill and Nancy Sarring
Port Washington, WI
Mrs. Weldum was one of my dearest friends! I will miss her very much! I’m glad I saw her in June before school closed. I drove to Ishpeming from Marquette before coming home to Rock. She looked good and talked well. Her mind was alert. We had a nice visit, although brief. It was close to supper time. I’ll always remember her for many reasons; one being the hollyhocks and phlox she gave when Elmer and I moved from the farm to this house across the road,that I’m living in now, about twenty years ago. Elmer passed away almost seven years ago. The hollyhocks, especially, have spread so they’re blooming all around the house and give me great pleasure whenever I’m outside and even in the house, when I look out the windows. People driving and/or walking by comment on their beauty. All thanks to Selma Weldum!
Sympathy to the family! Selma even brightened the roadside in front of her own house on M-35 South (Trombly) when she lived there before going into the nursing home to live. She had lots of flowers blooming in her yard. She is missed and lovingly remembered!
Helmi Lepisto
Rock, MI
Selma was an amazing woman. Her gardens were legendary, as were her photographs. I will never forget the photo of Albert “walking” the skunk.
Anonymous
We are express our deepest sympathy to the Pfotenhaur family for your loss. Karl will always be remembered by us as such a friendly and kind boy. Our hearts go out to you and you have been in our thoughts and prayers,
Mary Bogaudo & the Bogaudo family
Bark River, MI
Doc Tom, Please know that I am deeply sorry for your loss. My prayers will continue in your behalf so that you find the strength you need during this tragic time.
Mary Beauchamp
Wells, MI
Dear Tom,Linda and all the relatives of Karl. My deepest sympathy to all of you during this difficult time. May God be you and find you peace. I will remeber you and your family in my prayers daily.
Judy(O’Connell)Warner
Escanaba, MI
We are very sorry for your loss and as we not know you in person we just want to express our deepest sympathie from Belgium. We are friends of Stephanie and Kris Pfotenhauer from overseas and they told us about the terrible news.
Patrick & Sabine Ottenheijm
Lanaken, Belgium
Linda – you and your family are in our prayers. I loved Karl – I always enjoyed his performances, especially drum line. The world has lost a fine young man. God be with you and yours at this very difficult time.
Mary Lou Heberlein
Haslett, MI
Tom, you have my most sincere condolences in your loss. I did not know your son, but did grow up next door to you, so I know he was from a good family.
Brian Roy Olson
Lexington Park, MD
The Pearl family send their prayers to the Pfotenhauer’s. May you be carried through this time of sorrow by God.
You will be in our daily prayers.
Bill, Linda, Jay, Marc (Katrina), Dan (Brandi) and Corey
Linda and William Pearl
Escanaba, MI
Rick and I were so saddened to hear about Karl. Plese accept our deepest sympathy, many thoughts and prayers for your entire family. Let faith be your strength at this time and hold on to all those treasured memories that you are so fortunate to have been able to share with Karl. God Bless you all.
Sending you a big hug Kim & Linda 🙂
Rick and Carol Brazeau
Hudsonville, MI
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jan and Dave Curtis
Grand Blanc, MI
Dear Linda and Family,
Aunt Muriel called us yesterday to let us know about Karl. We are so sorry to learn of his death.
Please know we will keep all of you in our thought and prayers and know that our Heavenly Father in always there to comfort you. We are truly sorry we never had the opportunity to meet Karl, but we will see him again when Jesus returns to take us home.
Roger and Pat Christiansen
Mound, MN
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very sad time. We pray you will experience God’s arms around you.
Judy and Charlie Vader
Escanaba, MI
We are very sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers in your time of need.
Chris & Stacy Jost
Cleveland, WI
I didn’t know Karl. However, I thought this would be an opportunity to send my condolences to a family that, as I recall so vividly, did so much for the community when I was younger. This was not only as a result of their chosen profession, but because they were involved in so many activities to serve. May God heal your hearts and strengthen you and your faith at this time. (I grew up in Rapid River and participated in some of Gladstone’s civic activities. My folks owned Ray’s Market in Rapid River for over 30 years.)
Bill Morin
Kentwood, MI
I just wanted to express my sympathy in the loss of your son. Karl was born the same month as my son, Danny Altmeyer, and they once played little league baseball together in Escanaba as very little boys! Karl is remembered as a very friendly and loving little boy! I still have the copy of the baseball team of the boys, if you all do not have a copy! May God grant you peace and serenity in this time of sorrow! I am sorry for your loss!
Mary Robinson
Escanaba, MI
LInda and Tom,
I have no idea how you are getting through this,but Bill and I want your to know that we are thinking of you and your family at this time. It is out of sink to have a youngster go before us.
Our Prayers are with you all.
Linda ,I will always think of you and Karl making your way down the hall out side my Art room door .I think you were bringing in an instrument for someone. I could always pick out Karl’s prance.Wwe are sorry for your lose.
Bill and Donna Perron
Escanaba, MI
While being in attendance at LCC drama practices, my daughter asked Karl to help her draw angel wings on a drawing she was making of her great grandmother. He happily helped my 9 year old with her drawing. That was quite a kid to sit on the floor amidst all of the peers and color/draw with a little girl. He always had a smile on his face and was entertaining to watch on the stage. We will not forget him. Karl has earned his wings… My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Mari (Bergman) Murphy
Grand Ledge, MI
Dr. Tom & family,
Both Ed and I are very sorry to hear about your loss. May God give you peace as you hold on to the memories that you have. God be with you all.
Ed & Audette Olson
Gladstone, MI
Dear Linda, Karl was a great friend to Michael when they were young. Mike was very upset when we told him about Karl. His loving smile and laugh is what I remember most about him. He was part of our family. Remember how they were either at your house or ours. Our prayers go out to you and all of Karl’s family.
Julie, Tim and Michael Bishop
Escanaba, MI
Our deepest sympathy and we too will carry Karl’s memory in our hearts.
Gods Peace,
Gordon, Betsy and Eli Pekuri
Ironwood, MI
We will miss Karl his passion for everything he participated in. We enjoyed watching him grow to love baseball and to learn about the fine aspects of the game and his willingness to do what ever it took to help the team.
Kevin and Karen McNamara and family
Haslett, MI
Karl came to St. Thomas Aquinas School from Escanaba, and I was lucky enough to be one of his fourth grade teachers that first year. Karl is a student that I will always remember, because he continually had a smile on his face and a kind word to share with those around him. Because of this, the children quickly respected him and embraced him as one of their new friends and classmates. I know that Karl will be greatly missed by the St. Thomas and Lansing Catholic communities. My thoughts and prayers are with Linda and the whole Photenhauer family.
God bless,
Missy Finelli,
Karl’s STA Fourth Grade Teacher
Williamston, MI
Linda & Family,
Tom and I are very sorry to hear of your loss. Karl and Tom had many great times in Cub Scouts as well as other outings. Please know that we are thinking and praying for you.
May you find peace in your sorrow
Mary Van Dyke/Tom Richards
Escanaba, MI
Anonymous
Perry
Thank you for always sharing your mind, heart and soul.
Your spirit will always flow in the whitefish
Ryan M Bergquist
Angola, IN
Perry Peterson was a very kind, perceptive and dedicated individual. His commitment to the greater Rapid River community. He strived in every instance to support and encourage the growth and good of his hometown. His wide travels and myriad professional experiences only added to his dedication and expertise. I met him over coffee at Jack’s Restaurant many times and it was he who encouraged me to support the Omni Center and assist with its growth and utlization. His presence will be missed. His dedication to his community was extraordinary.
William J. Green
Wausau, WI
Perry Peterson was a person that saw a good light in anyone he met. He did many things for the community of Rapid River over the years that will be with us for many years to come. Perry and I have been friends for almost 15yrs and he has told me many life lessons that have made me a better person today. I was able to see Perry 12-26-09 we had a great emotional visit and he was so happy to see me. We talked about old times and about him not being with us anymore. He told me he had lived a good life and made the world a little better with his community involvement.
Kory Decremer
Rapid River, MI
No boundrys for Mr. Perry and that influenced my three children. The opportunity for each to ask him questions that would be answered with sincerity and truth to go and explore. Perry would have wise and thought provoking answers for each. Our family was gifted with Amanda and her love of stamp collecting to be shared by Perry always caring enough to have new and not found yet stamps for Amanda. Together we would hear wonderful stories of places in the world;. And the opportunity to join in has now come to Amanda. A graduate of N.M.U. Amanda is serving in the Peace Corps in Tanzania East Africa and We say
Asante (sana) Thank you very much for such a trail plazing, caring individual. A blessing for us to have known Perry Peterson.
We send family Condolences.
Andy, Corey, & Amanda Boyle – Aspell Mary
Rapid River, MI
My earliest recollection of Perry was when I worked at Jack’s Restaurant. He always encouraged us to further our educations and invited us to go swimming in the Whitefish at his place. My husband’s class ring is somewhere on the bottom of the Whitefish from a swim there! My next recollection was working with (mainly typing) for he and Hugh Harris Sr. on the renovation project to the old high school. They worked tirelessly to make the Omni Center/Riverside Manor a reality. Yes, making this a better place for everyone was what he strived for. Lastly, his visits to Rapid River Public Schools were always thought provoking and entertaining. He wanted to share ways to improve the education of Rapid River students and students everywhere. I, too, will always remember his hearty laugh!
Sandy Deneau
Rapid River, MI
Perry taught me about hard work and having a sense of humor. I’m now aware as an adult about his sense of humor but not as a teen whose teenage summer relationship was too intense. My mother May, (Hannah, as Perry called her; it was her middle name that my mother hated) Bergman, arranged for me to leave Battle Creek and my oh so serious boyfriend at age 16 for the “Lodge” for 2 weeks during the summer. Perry had my cousin Mary Munson(her mother was Ester, Perry’s cousin)and I to stay with him. Perry had chores for us to do each day. He gave us each a paint brush and told us to paint the tree stumps for two weeks. I graduated to painting the lines on the Tennis Courts (I don’t remember electricity up at the Lodge, yet we had tennis courts!). My oh so serious teenage boyfriend somehow found the Lodge and showed up to visit. Perry met him outside at his car apparently and I never even knew he showed up to visit me until I was home in Battle Creek. It was a 9 hour drive one way for that young man to visit. I look back and laugh!
Perry had our best interests at heart and seemed to speak to you individually as if you were one of the most capable individuals. I loved his great, wide smile. Mom always loved his sense of fun and practical jokes. I admired his educational accomplishments. They gave me the courage I needed to form my own educational goals knowing I came from family that was so accompished and smart.
Susan Mae Friedlund-Flees
Battle Creek, MI
Perry was someone who I always looked forward to spending time with. Each moment was an adventure, a challenge, and a wonderful mental exercise. Laced with the humor only he could provide his stories and wit captivated my heart and his laughter, larger than life itself, made all who heard it understand the delight with which he embraced life. He provided me with the security that comes from knowing who you are by sharing with me our rich heritage and he helped define for me my place in the world. I will always feel blessed to have had him in my life and will never forget all of the wonderful memories.
He always teased me about the summer when he brought my first puppy love, David Douglas, to The Farm. We ventured down the Whitefish in search of Indian artifacts, caught fish, blazed trails through the forest on horseback, played Smear, War, and double solitaire all the while listening to the stories Perry would tell. I learned a lot of lessons from Perry and I got my first kiss on top of the blueberry hill from David Douglas. He never let me forget it. Not that I would.
Lynda Bergquist Slaggert
Saginaw, MI
My earliest connections with Perry Peterson were the accountings of my school friend, Dr. Margaret Soderberg. Mr. Peterson hosted a dinner party at the Log Cabin and Margaret could bring a friend…and that friend was me. It was an evening that made an impression on me…we were allowed to order lobster, a new experience at a young age. He was a most interesting person to listen to as he had many travel experiences.
When he returned to Rapid River to live the community embraced a very giving individual. He will be long remembered. Our sympathy, Pete and Cindy Brock
pcbrock05@charter.net
Rapid River, MI
our area just won’t be the same without Perry’s smile and wisdom.
Al Ison
Bark River, MI
Ellen & Judy,
This is a loss of a great man. It was sad to see him suffer in the last years. I will check back here to see if arrangements have been made.
Christine Vandervoort
Williamston, MI
We always enjoyed conversations with Perry and will remember his kindness and generosity in extending his hospitality at The Lodge. We were impressed by his devotion to preserving that slice of Heaven and appreciate the fact that he made it available to so many. In addition, he was an interesting individual, with views on life near and far, and a desire to make the world a better place for future generations. He will be missed.
Kathleen Field
Mattawan, MI
Anonymous
I remember your Mom….from my youth. She was always welcoming and kind to all “us” neighborhood kids…..My prayers and thoughts are with you in this time of loss!
Betsy Gasperich-Miller
Richton Park, IL
Roger and Family – you have our deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother and we hope your memories will help ease your sorrow.
Rich and Donna Cole
Springfield, MO
Rick, Jerry, Roger and family
In the stars that shine, the flowers that bloom, or in a gently breeze may you feel the presence of your Mom, and be comforted by her treasured memories.
Unable to attend her service.
You have been in our thoughts and prayers.
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Elizabeth Ebbesen.
Linda and Les Delvaux
Gladstone, MI
Our deepest condolences to Brian Ebbesen and your entire family for the loss of your grandma, Liz Ebbesen.
Peter Johnson/Craig Bloomer
Chicago, IL
To Roger, Jerry and Rick may your cherished memories of your mother give you comfort at this time of your loss. I never will for get how nice your mother was to me.
Richard and Carol Van Damme
Bartlett, TN
Anonymous
Sorry for your loss, how we all loved Selma, all of us 4-H KIDS..To this day when ever I take a picture and I take more than one I think of her as she would have us all stand there as she took a picture with about 3 different cameras
Cheryl Wilcox Patrick
Rock, MI
My name is Steven Morgan and i am one of the great grandsons of Selma Weldum. I visited her once when i was younger and i still remember her smile. I remember the time she cooked us the pike we caught from the Escanaba river. She lived a beautiful and wonderful life and thats what everybody should try for. love you, Steven
Steven Morgan
Fort Knox, KY
Selma was a very special friend to my mom as well as a wonderful 4-H leader. My sister and I lived near her and visited her frequently as she loved to show us her flowers. Her husband Albert would always show us around the sawmill. We will miss your annual newsletters and you.
Pam Walusek
Mokena, IL
Memories go back fifty years and your mom’s coming to Rock Chapel on account of her children being involved in a program. I visited her at her home and later at a convalescent home in Negaunee.
John Small
Yakima, WA
The first time we saw Selma: She opened the door and gave us both a big hug. She was a stranger to us but we were family to her and she made us realize in 30 seconds or less that we WERE FAMILY to her.
We loved her pear pies which we always had for dessert.
She shared many family stories with us and sent us many letters and pictures telling of the family history. She tried to catch us up on all the years we had not known her and her wonderful family. She was a grand lady with a powerful little smile and great little chuckle.
It was sad for me when we could no longer communicate by phone due to the Parkinsons which took over her life in the past few years. We really missed hearing the news about her family. We will always cherish her hand typed letters full of memories with all her little hand written oops! and corrections in ink…and the last always…Love Selma and Albert
Bill and Nancy Sarring
Port Washington, WI
Mrs. Weldum was one of my dearest friends! I will miss her very much! I’m glad I saw her in June before school closed. I drove to Ishpeming from Marquette before coming home to Rock. She looked good and talked well. Her mind was alert. We had a nice visit, although brief. It was close to supper time. I’ll always remember her for many reasons; one being the hollyhocks and phlox she gave when Elmer and I moved from the farm to this house across the road,that I’m living in now, about twenty years ago. Elmer passed away almost seven years ago. The hollyhocks, especially, have spread so they’re blooming all around the house and give me great pleasure whenever I’m outside and even in the house, when I look out the windows. People driving and/or walking by comment on their beauty. All thanks to Selma Weldum!
Sympathy to the family! Selma even brightened the roadside in front of her own house on M-35 South (Trombly) when she lived there before going into the nursing home to live. She had lots of flowers blooming in her yard. She is missed and lovingly remembered!
Helmi Lepisto
Rock, MI
Selma was an amazing woman. Her gardens were legendary, as were her photographs. I will never forget the photo of Albert “walking” the skunk.
Barb Wiesmann
Skandia, MI