Julia L. Peterson

Julia L. Peterson, 60, of Kingsford, lost her long, courageous battle with cancer, peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, May 9, 2020. Julia was born on October 27, 1959, in Iron Mountain, daughter of the late William and Doris (Blanchard) Smeester. She had been a resident of this area her entire life and was a 1978 graduate of Kingsford High School. Upon graduating high school, Julia worked in the office at her family’s business, US Special Delivery. After starting her own family, she returned to college in 1999 and graduated from Bay de Noc College in 2002 with an Associate’s Degree in the Arts. Subsequently graduating from Bay, she attended Northern Michigan University and was majoring in Psychology with a minor in Religious Studies. Julia Peterson was so many wonderful things. She was a daughter, sister, grandmother, mother, aunt, friend, avid reader, world traveler, and a warrior in her own right. In spite of life’s tough challenges, she took it all in stride with a wonderful outlook on life. Julia had an insatiable appetite for learning and knowledge, loved to laugh and enjoyed playing pool, camping at Rivers Bend and crocheting. Later in life, she dedicated herself to taking care of her grandchildren and was a member of the Zonta Club. She is survived by her children, Pamela Peterson of Iron Mountain and Robert Peterson of Iron Mountain; sister, Lynne (Terry) Reed of Breitung Twp.; brothers, Bill Smeester Jr. of Beecher, WI, Brian (Lorie) Smeester of Kingsford, Dan Lantagne of Florence and Mike Smeester of Florence; grandchildren, Aaron, Amber, Kaitlyn, Elliot and Jason Peterson. She is also survived by her stepmother, Joann Smeester, best friend Sherry Kobe, and several nieces and nephews. She was especially close with her nephew Johnathon Reed, a compassionate caregiver to her, especially at the end. Julia was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Jordina Marie Nowikowski in 1980. Private family services are being held. Burial will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park. Condolences to the family of Julia Peterson may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Julia L. Peterson

October 27, 1959 - May 9, 2020