Negaunee- Helen Peterson
Born on June 23, l912 in Negaunee MI, Helen R. (Anderson) Peterson passed away on November 9, 2008 at the age of 96 at Marquette General Hospital. She is survived by three daughters, Judith Hogan (Thomas) of Fair Oaks CA, Marcia Schiltz (Robert) of Lombard IL, and Maryellen Rodriguez (Amador) of Santa Ana CA, along with six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. Her brother Robert Anderson of Oconomowoc WI and numerous nieces and nephews also survive her.

She was one of nine children born in Negaunee to Anders Anderson and Anna Olson, Swedish immigrants who met and married in this country. Her father was a mining captain and the family lived on Teal Lake Hill. Helen always recalled growing up there with fondness. The family attended the Mission Covenant church.

In June 1935 she married William C. Peterson of Ishpeming, who became the superintendent of schools in Ishpeming and preceded her in death in 1986. In later years Helen and Bill had lived in the house of his parents, Gustaf and Maria Peterson, also Swedish immigrants.

Helen enjoyed traveling with her husband and later on her own. She traveled widely in the U.S. but also to Mexico, Canada and many European countries, including Austria, France, England, Spain and Sweden. In college she had been a tennis champion so loved to watch the important tennis tournaments on tv. She played bridge, was a member of Eastern Star, and belonged to Bethany Lutheran Church, where she was active in women's groups. In her senior years she enrolled in Swedish classes and during her entire life she enjoyed playing the piano, from Scott Joplin rag to hymns to classical music. Her grandchildren have fond memories of sitting on the piano bench with grandma.

Visitation will be at 10:00 and funeral services at 11:00 on Friday, November 14, 2008 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. Remembrances may be made to any of the following: Bethany Lutheran music ministry, Ishpeming public library, Ishpeming High School auditorium.