Ishpeming- Walter Charles "Wally" Peterson, age 86 formerly of 819 Maple St. Ishpeming, passed away at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility on Sunday, November 13, 2016.

Walter was born in Ishpeming on May 21, 1930 to Charles & Maria (Latvala) Peterson. Wally lived in the family house on Maple Street most of his entire life. He graduated from Ishpeming High School, class of 1949. Wally enter the U.S. Air Force in 1951 and was stationed at Sampson Air Force Base in Geneva, New York, he was honorably discharged in 1955.

Wally worked as a social worker for the State of Michigan (Department of Human Service) for 30 years, working first in Escanaba and later in the Marquette office. Wally was the last surviving charter member of the Hope Free Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ishpeming Township where he served as an elder, Sunday School teacher, choir member, usher, and office assistant. Wally had an interest in the history of the local area, having a vast knowledge of local historical events, and people. He was a member of the Ishpeming High School Alumni Association and a Hematite supporter, and he enjoyed traveling to his annual Air Force reunions.

Wally is survived by a sister Margaret LaForest of Ishpeming along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Maria Peterson, brothers: Arivd, Henry, Edwin, Hebert and Arthur Peterson, sisters: Anna Pellinen, Jennie Ecklid, Hilda Green and Dorothy Lopez.

Wally's family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, November 17, 2016 from 11:00 am until 1:00PM at the Hope Free Evangelical Lutheran Church where funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM with Rev. Dave Ryerson officiating.

Military honors will be accorded by the U.S. Air Force Honors Team.

A luncheon will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

Inurnment will take place in the Ishpeming Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial can be directed to the Hope Free Evangelical Lutheran Church Memorial Fund 795 North Lake Drive, Ishpeming, MI 49849 in memory of Wally Peterson.

Wally's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.


The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .