Mildred Peterson

Some people are content to live within a four-walled world, never straying too far from the familiar, or the ordinary. Milly Peterson certainly wasnt one of them. Milly was a wonderful woman, who lived a wonderful life, a life full of family, faith, and fun adventures around the globe. No matter how far she got from home, however, her family was always closest to her heart. Millys story began on a cool fall day in 1914, as the Halloween holiday approached in the shoreline city of Muskegon, Michigan. Those were such exciting times in this country, as the airplane and the automobile began transforming our society forever. On October 29, 1914, Olaf and Eleda (Lans) Carlson had even more to celebrate, with the birth of a beautiful baby girl, a daughter they named Mildred Elizabeth. Milly, as she was called, was the second of the couples seven children, joining older brother Wilmar, and younger siblings Paul, Marge, Merle, Wesley and Ronald. Her mother had her hands full with the children, while her dad ran the Carlson Dairy, first out of their basement, and later a nearby building, until it was eventually sold and became Highland Park Dairy. The Carlsons had plenty of extended family members living close by, and family gatherings were commonplace when Milly was growing up. When Milly was just five years old, she was a flower girl in her aunts wedding, where she met a little boy named Roger Peterson, who happened to be the ring bearer. The photo of them together would one day take on so much significance The Carlsons also were very faithful members of Mission Covenant Church, which was a very important part of their lives, where Millys great love and faith in the Lord was formed, a faith she carried throughout her lifetime. The Carlson kids all attended Nims Elementary School, and later Muskegon High School. After Milly graduated, she attended the Howell School of Business, and soon found work as a secretary at EH Sheldon, a furniture manufacturing company in Muskegon. She found something even more special than a paycheck there, though. She soon reconnected with Roger Peterson, the ring bearer in her aunts wedding all those years before. Roger had become an engineer at EH Sheldon, and had grown into a handsome young man, as well. The sparks flew between them, as it seemed fate had brought them together. Rogers job required him to travel often, and Milly would sometimes go visit him in New York and Washington D.C. Then one evening in our nations capital, Roger proposed to her, and she happily said yes. The couple was married at Mission Covenant Church on May 30, 1941, and the newlyweds honeymooned at Yellowstone National Park, the first of so many memorable trips they would take together over the years. They settled into a home on John Street in Muskegon, and both continued to work at EH Sheldon. Soon, however, Milly would have more on her mind. In 1945, the couple celebrated the birth of their first child, their son Thomas. Milly became a happy homemaker, dedicated to her home and growing family. Ruth joined the family in 1948, Frederick in 1951, and Donald rounded out the happy family in 1953. To accommodate their growing clan, the couple had built a beautiful new home on Ridge Avenue in 1951, in the lovely Glenside neighborhood of Muskegon. And of course, the church was like a second home to them, especially Milly. Milly was very active at Mission Covenant, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, and working in the library, too. Roger also got involved, and even served on the church board. Every summer, the family attended Bible camp together, such a beloved time for them. Every Sunday they invited friends and relatives over to the house after the second church service, too, being the great entertainers they were. Milly was a wonderful wife and mother, who was so dedicated to her family. She was an active member of the PTA, and supportive of all their activities. And because Roger was often traveling for work, Milly ran the home, though admittedly wasnt too tough of a disciplinarian. Milly also occasionally traveled with her husband, when the kids would stay with relatives. After Roger retired, he joined the International Executive Service Group, which sent executives to third world countries to help improve or start new businesses. Roger and Milly saw so many incredible things on these three-month adventures, which always had time for plenty of side trips and sightseeing. The couple saw incredible places like Jakarta, Indonesia, the Seychelles, Europe, Hong Kong and Tokyo, among many others. Wherever they went, the experienced travelers got to know many new people and always had a great time. No matter how far away they were, home was always where their heart was. In 1972, they built a home on Spring Lake, where they had so many wonderful family memories. Later on, they moved to a beautiful home on Birchwood in Norton Shores, where they would remain the rest of their lives. The couple also loved becoming grandparents, babysitting for the kids every chance they had and happily attending the kids many activities and events. Milly and Roger loved leading active, healthy lives in their retirement together. In 2001, Roger suffered some minor strokes, and sadly died in February of 2002. Milly, strong and stubborn as ever, continued to live on her own, staying active in the church each Sunday, and going to her weekly Bible study group and even some Senior Trips. One day Milly fell and broke her hip, and had to stop driving. She didnt want to leave her home, and stayed there as long as she could. Eventually, however, she agreed to move to an assisted living facility. Her health began to sadly fail, and she died at the Harbor Hospice Poppen House on Wednesday, August 22, 2007. Milly was such a wonderful woman, who lived a wonderful life, a life so full of family, faith, and friendship. She saw so much in her lifetime, with so many experiences, so many adventures. No matter how far away she was, home was where her heart was, and where her family was. She will be greatly missed. Milly is survived by her 3 sons, Thomas (Judith) Peterson of Spring Lake, Frederick (Rhonda) Peterson of Grand Haven & Donald (Carol) Peterson of Norton Shores; 1 daughter, Ruth (Dennis) Nelson of Alberta, Canada; 9 grandchildren, Brian (Jennifer Peterson, Jeffery (Adrienne) Peterson, Kevein (Andrea) Nelson, Kieth Nelson, Corey (Heather) Nelson, David Peterson, Eric Peterson, Amanda Peterson, Amy Peterson; 6 great grandchildren, Cody, Katie, Rachel & Ryan Peterson, Kyle, Emilie & Melanie Nelson;; 2 brothers, Wesley (Helen) Carlson of Hart, MI & Ronald (Florence) Carlson of Muskegon; 1 sister-in-law Patricia Carlson several nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband after 60 years of marriage Roger in 2002 & 3 brothers, Wilmar, Paul 1 sister Marjorie. Services are scheduled for Saturday, August 25, 2007, 11:00 AM at Forest Park Covenant Church with Rev. Russell Carlson & Rev. Paul Bengtson officiating. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation is Friday, 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Forest Park Covenant Church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory or sign the online guest book.