Geraldine
Geraldine L. Peterson
Geraldine (Gerry) Lila Peterson was called Home to be with her Lord and Savior on August 18, 2019. She was 92. She was born September 7, 1926, in Muskegon, MI, to Rufus Leroy and Geraldine (Bowen) Deater.
Gerry attended Bob Jones University and earned a teaching degree. She taught first through fourth grades. She also performed in a women’s vocal trio at college. On July 13, 1957, she married Rev. Norris M. Peterson, who was an ordained minister in the Evangelical Covenant Church. Together, they served Covenant churches in Lansing, MI (1951-67), Fresno, CA (1967-72), Bellevue (Highland) WA (1973-79), Kalamazoo (Westside), MI (1980-87), and Twin Lake, MI, for 13 years. Norris retired in 1997 after 50 years of pastoral ministry, and they settled in Grand Rapids, MI, for 13 years. They then moved to Moline, IL, to be near their daughter, Patti Youngs and her husband Rev. Darin Youngs. After Norris’ death in 2013, Gerry moved with Patti and Darin to Otsego, MI. She was a member of First Congregational Church (Otsego, MI), where Darin serves as pastor. Gerry enjoyed the fellowship of the Thursday ladies’ quilting group and the after-church fellowship time. She also enjoyed being a part of the Youngs’ extended family gatherings.
Gerry was a faithful partner in ministry to her husband Norris. She considered it a joy to serve others. Her pleasant nature was an encouragement to all who knew her. She consistently placed others before herself.
Gerry is survived by her daughter, Patricia Youngs (Rev. Darin) of Otsego, MI; a son, Gregory (Venisa) of Ludington, MI; three grandchildren, Wesley Cameron Youngs, Kalamazoo, MI; Grant Peterson Youngs, Lansing, MI; and Garrison Reed Youngs, St. Joseph, MI; a brother, Dan (Marilyn) Deater of Grand Rapids, MI and sister-in-law, Betty Deater of Muskegon, MI.
Gerry was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Norris M. Peterson in 2013; a sister, Patricia Carlson of Muskegon, MI, in 2014; and her fraternal twin brother, Gerald Deater of Muskegon, MI, in 2014.
Gerry’s family will greet friends starting at 10:00 AM until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 AM, Thursday, August 22, 2019 at First Congregational Church, Otsego, MI, with Rev. Darin Youngs officiating.
Memorials may be given to First Congregational Church (120 W. Morrell St., Otsego, MI 49078) and
Wings of Hope Hospice
(530 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010).
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
.
Offer Condolence for the family of Geraldine L. Peterson
Condolence Messages
Ruby Rogers
August 19, 2019 at 7:09 pm
Dearest Patty and Pastor Darin,
Thank you for sharing your mama with me for a few short weeks, she was always so happy and such a thankful heart, I have felt touched by the little time I spent with her, you are in my prayers at this time.
Reply
Conni Pierce
August 19, 2019 at 7:27 pm
My deepest condolences Patty & family Thank you so much for letting me spend some time with Gerry she was the sweetest cutest little lady loved our conversations she will definitely be missed huggs
Reply
Lynn & Duane Bronkema
August 20, 2019 at 9:31 pm
Dear Patty, Pastor Darin & Family.
Miss Gerry was the Sweetest, most Friendliest Lady there ever was. She always had a big smile for everyone even if she didn’t really know them. While talking to her in church she was such a Happy Lady. Always Thanked one for talking to her. She will be greatly missed.
May she Rest in Peace.
We Pray for Comfort and Peace for you and your family at this difficult time. May God Bless you all.
Reply
Craig and Lorna Sisson
August 21, 2019 at 2:01 am
What a wonderful and grace filled soul. We were blessed to know Gerry as she rented our condo for a few years. Her joyous nature and love for the Lord were contagious. Our hearts thoughts and prayers are with the family as Heaven welcomes home an angel who blessed all those she touched.
Lorna and Craig Sisson
Reply
Sam Buitendorp
May 20, 2020 at 9:12 am
Please accept my sympathy at the passing of your mother, grandmother, friend.
I knew Geraldine as “Miss Deater”.
She was my second grade teacher at Reeths Puffer school in Muskegon.
I also remember attending her wedding.
She was a wonderful person and a teacher I will always remember.
She would gather us seated into a corner,
Where she taught us a prayer I remember to this day
She surely will have many stars in her crown.
Sam Buitendorp. Boyne City Michigan
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Gerry attended Bob Jones University and earned a teaching degree. She taught first through fourth grades. She also performed in a women’s vocal trio at college. On July 13, 1957, she married Rev. Norris M. Peterson, who was an ordained minister in the Evangelical Covenant Church. Together, they served Covenant churches in Lansing, MI (1951-67), Fresno, CA (1967-72), Bellevue (Highland) WA (1973-79), Kalamazoo (Westside), MI (1980-87), and Twin Lake, MI, for 13 years. Norris retired in 1997 after 50 years of pastoral ministry, and they settled in Grand Rapids, MI, for 13 years. They then moved to Moline, IL, to be near their daughter, Patti Youngs and her husband Rev. Darin Youngs. After Norris’ death in 2013, Gerry moved with Patti and Darin to Otsego, MI. She was a member of First Congregational Church (Otsego, MI), where Darin serves as pastor. Gerry enjoyed the fellowship of the Thursday ladies’ quilting group and the after-church fellowship time. She also enjoyed being a part of the Youngs’ extended family gatherings.
Gerry was a faithful partner in ministry to her husband Norris. She considered it a joy to serve others. Her pleasant nature was an encouragement to all who knew her. She consistently placed others before herself.
Gerry is survived by her daughter, Patricia Youngs (Rev. Darin) of Otsego, MI; a son, Gregory (Venisa) of Ludington, MI; three grandchildren, Wesley Cameron Youngs, Kalamazoo, MI; Grant Peterson Youngs, Lansing, MI; and Garrison Reed Youngs, St. Joseph, MI; a brother, Dan (Marilyn) Deater of Grand Rapids, MI and sister-in-law, Betty Deater of Muskegon, MI.
Gerry was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Norris M. Peterson in 2013; a sister, Patricia Carlson of Muskegon, MI, in 2014; and her fraternal twin brother, Gerald Deater of Muskegon, MI, in 2014.
Gerry’s family will greet friends starting at 10:00 AM until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 AM, Thursday, August 22, 2019 at First Congregational Church, Otsego, MI, with Rev. Darin Youngs officiating.
Memorials may be given to First Congregational Church (120 W. Morrell St., Otsego, MI 49078) and
Wings of Hope Hospice
(530 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010).
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
.
Offer Condolence for the family of Geraldine L. Peterson
Condolence Messages
Ruby Rogers
August 19, 2019 at 7:09 pm
Dearest Patty and Pastor Darin,
Thank you for sharing your mama with me for a few short weeks, she was always so happy and such a thankful heart, I have felt touched by the little time I spent with her, you are in my prayers at this time.
Reply
Conni Pierce
August 19, 2019 at 7:27 pm
My deepest condolences Patty & family Thank you so much for letting me spend some time with Gerry she was the sweetest cutest little lady loved our conversations she will definitely be missed huggs
Reply
Lynn & Duane Bronkema
August 20, 2019 at 9:31 pm
Dear Patty, Pastor Darin & Family.
Miss Gerry was the Sweetest, most Friendliest Lady there ever was. She always had a big smile for everyone even if she didn’t really know them. While talking to her in church she was such a Happy Lady. Always Thanked one for talking to her. She will be greatly missed.
May she Rest in Peace.
We Pray for Comfort and Peace for you and your family at this difficult time. May God Bless you all.
Reply
Craig and Lorna Sisson
August 21, 2019 at 2:01 am
What a wonderful and grace filled soul. We were blessed to know Gerry as she rented our condo for a few years. Her joyous nature and love for the Lord were contagious. Our hearts thoughts and prayers are with the family as Heaven welcomes home an angel who blessed all those she touched.
Lorna and Craig Sisson
Reply
Sam Buitendorp
May 20, 2020 at 9:12 am
Please accept my sympathy at the passing of your mother, grandmother, friend.
I knew Geraldine as “Miss Deater”.
She was my second grade teacher at Reeths Puffer school in Muskegon.
I also remember attending her wedding.
She was a wonderful person and a teacher I will always remember.
She would gather us seated into a corner,
Where she taught us a prayer I remember to this day
She surely will have many stars in her crown.
Sam Buitendorp. Boyne City Michigan
Reply
Leave a Condolence
Cancel reply
Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked
*
Comment
*
Name
*
*
Δ
Obituary Notification Service
Enter your email address if you would like to be notified when a new obituary notice is posted:
Search Obituaries
How do I send a condolence
At the bottom of this page, you will find a condolence form. You will need to fill out some basic information prior to typing your message. (We will not share your e-mail address with anyone) Once you are finished, simply click the submit condolence button. The condolence will be approved before it is published to the web site.
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