Ishpeming – Randy Lynn Peterson, age 51, of 416 S. Second St. #1, Ishpeming, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 31, 2013 in Ishpeming of an apparent heart attack.

Randy was born January 30, 1962 in Ishpeming, son of the late Raymond Junior Peterson and Rita Svea Saari (nee Tornberg). The family moved throughout Marquette County over the years. Randy moved to Denton, TX in his early 20s where he would meet his first wife, and they later relocated to Ponca City, OK in 1983 and had a daughter there. While in Oklahoma, Randy did siding work contracted by Sears as well as welding. In 2001, Randy then moved to Wisconsin and later L'Anse, MI before moving back to Ishpeming, where he resided for the
past 3 years.

Randy enjoyed fishing, canoeing, lifting weights, bowling, and playing pool and cribbage. He possessed a natural talent for drawing and handicrafts and enjoyed creating drawings, cards, and other crafts for his loved ones. He loved tinkering with vehicles, doing bodywork, and mechanics. He also enjoyed volunteering at the Ishpeming Salvation Army. Randy was currently attending NMU's welding program and would have graduated next semester.

Survivors include girlfriend Shelby Minnick of Ishpeming; daughter Beth Peterson of Milwaukee, WI and Lewisville, TX and granddaughter Jocelyn; brothers Lee (Betty Melman) Peterson of L'Anse and David (Jody) Peterson of Marquette; sisters Rita Britton (nee Saari) of West Bend, WI and Georgia "Gigi" (Donald) Maki (nee Peterson) of Harvey; special uncle Thor (Susan) Tornberg of Ishpeming; aunts Marion Roberts, Jean Frederickson, Carol Fortin, Joyce Brunelle, and Margie Richard; first wife Janet Shields (nee Sinkler); second wife Deanna "DeeDee" Rowe (nee Roddy); along with several cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Randy was preceded in death by his parents; aunts Jean Isaacson, Irene and Betty Peterson, and Elenore Herbert; and uncles Robert Isaacson, John and Thor Tornberg, and Wesley, Lewis, and Edward Peterson.

The family will greet relatives and friends at 1p.m. and a memorial service will be held at 2p.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at the Ishpeming Salvation Army with Lt. Stephen Hansen officiating. There will be a luncheon to follow the services. Inurnment will take place at his mother's grave at Humboldt Township Cemetery and at his father's grave at Marquette Park Cemetery; dates and times are yet to be determined.