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Geraldine "Gerry" Peterson

August 18, 2019
Otsego, MI

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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, Gergory (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.