Joyce M. Peterson

Joyce M. Peterson, 83, of Iron Mountain, passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2014 at ManorCare Health Services in Kingsford. She was born July 29, 1930 in Iron Mountain, daughter of the late Lester and Ellen (Olson) Hansen. Joyce graduated from Kingsford High School in 1948 and was a lifelong resident of the area. Following graduation she entered Bellin Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Green Bay, earned her degree as a Registered Nurse, and returned to the area to work at the newly opened Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in 1951. Joyce married her beloved dance partner, Charles D. Peterson, in December of 1951 at Immanuel Baptist Church and he preceded her in death in 2009. Joyce furthered her education at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and a certification with the American Nursing Assoc. in community health. She then transferred to the V.A. Hospital in Iron Mountain where she was employed until her retirement in 1990. Joyce was a longtime, faithful member and deacon at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. She was active in the community and volunteered for many years with the American Heart Assoc. and the former Memorial Hospital Respite Care Unit. Joyce was a member and former officer with the Medical Care Access Coalition and Friends of the Dickinson County Library. She was honored for over 50 years of membership in the General Federation of Womens Club. Joyce organized and facilitated the Parkinson Care Giver Group for several years and enjoyed attending the Bay Life Learning is Forever Organization as well as the Dickinson County Library Book Club. She enjoyed playing golf with her foursome and was a former member of Pine Grove Country Club. Joyce also loved playing cards with her dearest friends of many years in the "Thursday" Bridge Club. She was an avid reader and some of her favorite pastimes were gardening, walking, listening to music, and traveling with her husband to many parts of the world for education and pleasure. Joyce is survived by three sons, Charles F. (Melody) Peterson of Merriman, Richard A. (Michelle) Peterson of Plymouth and Dan L. (Tammy) Peterson of Merriman; two grandsons, Matthew L. (Brynne) Peterson of West Allis, WI and Christopher A. (Michelle) Anthony of Madison, WI; five granddaughters, Dr. Carrie Y. Peterson of New York, NY, Star (Chris) Scuderi of Fort Meyers, FL, Jessie (Alex) Lindeman of Newton, IA, Alix and Carley Peterson of Merriman; two great grandchildren, Mae Scuderi and Jaxson Lindeman; two sisters, Barbara (Glen) Folmar of Rockford, IL and Elaine Thornburg of Durham, NC; a special high school chum and family friend, Dee (Harry) Morelli Farris; and many loving nieces and nephews. Joyce was also preceded in death by sister, Sheila and two infant brothers. Visitation will be held on Friday from 9:30 to 11:00am at First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. A memorial service will follow at 11:00am at the church. Rev. Michael March will officiate. Burial will be in the Quinnesec Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Joyce Peterson online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Joyce M. Peterson

July 29, 1930 - June 10, 2014