Robert G. Peterman

As we reflect back over the life of Robert Peterman, words such as patient, kind, and fun-loving rise to the surface. He was a hardworking man who was rarely one to be still and in so doing, made the most of each and every moment he was given. It was easy to see Roberts dedication to his family and that his girls were the light of his life. Throughout his lifes journey, Robert possessed an abiding faith that was not only his constant companion, but the compass he used to guide his steps. Although he will be deeply missed, all who knew and loved Robert will be forever grateful for having been touched by such an extraordinary man. The decade that became known as the Roaring Twenties was predominantly a prosperous one with growth and expansion in both the business and industrial sectors as well as more affordable goods available to the average consumer. Homemakers were spoiled with new inventions for the home like the washing machine and the refrigerator and since buying on credit was the new thing, they could have what they wanted when they wanted it. It was during this colorful decade that there was much to celebrate in one young family from Muskegon, Michigan, with the birth of a healthy baby boy on February 28, 1927. Robert Gordon was a large baby who was welcomed into the world at home with the assistance of a midwife by his loving parents, Clarence and Marguerite (Farmer) Peterman. He was the third of four children in his family including his older siblings, Beverly and Clarence, Jr. Pete, and his younger sister, Jean Mary. Roberts father owned and operated Pine Street Furniture in Muskegon while his mother was a busy homemaker. Even as a young boy, Robert packed every bit of living into every moment that he could. He developed a love for music and learned to play the piano, and he also enjoyed reading and attended Angel School where he liked playing on the playground. Robert also liked ice skating, activities at the family cabin on Bear Lake, and could often be seen outside flying around on his bike. Every Saturday the Peterman family picked Roberts father up from work and went out for ice cream. After graduating from Muskegon Public Schools in 1944, Robert went on to attend classes at Muskegon Junior College. His plans for the future changed after his first year in college, however, as he enlisted in the United States Army Corps, serving in Germany. When his duty to his country was fulfilled, Robert returned home to resume the life he set aside while overseas. While in high school he had worked at Mills Ice Cream where he learned many of the ins and outs of the business. Shortly after returning to Michigan, Robert purchased Mills in Holland with his brother, Pete. While he was busy building his career, Roberts personal life was in for some big changes, too. He began dating a young girl whom he had known for quite some time named Audrey Kathleen Kloosterhouse. The two attended church together from the time they were young kids and their families were good friends. Their friendship blossomed into something deeper over time and they were married on February 2, 1951. Their love story continued for the next 60 years and became an inspiration to all who knew them. Together they were blessed with three girls: Sandra, Marsha, and Amy. As fathers go Robert was second to none as he was filled with endless patience, unconditional love, and countless kind gestures. His girls knew their father would always be there for them no matter what and took comfort in the fact that he would move heaven and earth for them. The family lived on Mills Avenue in North Muskegon for a time, but later moved to a home on Ruddiman Avenue, also in North Muskegon. Family pets including dogs and cats were always part of life in their home and like additional members of their family. In order to support his family, Robert worked hard. He worked side by side with his brother at the ice cream place in Holland for many years and when it was sold, he remained in the ice cream business for a time. These years found Robert working as a salesman for the J. Hungerford Smith Company. He later moved into a position as the head of sales at local radio stations WKBZ and WQWQ in Muskegon. Roberts working days didnt end there as his later years found him working for Seaway Appliance and then as a greeter for Meijer during his retirement. Although work certainly had a place in Roberts life, there were many other aspects to his days as well. Spending time with his family was always a priority. While his children were younger, fun-filled family times were had while traveling together every summer in the car. They passed the time singing songs and just enjoying each others company. Some of their more memorable trips were the ones to the Worlds Fair in Chicago and to Atlantic City. When Roberts girls grew older and established families of their own, nothing could have been better. He loved being a grandfather and attended countless events his grandchildren participated in whether soccer games, band concerts, horse shows, or baseball games. Robert was a longtime member of Unity Reformed Church where his mother served as the organist for 28 years. Robert was also a member of the local Kiwanis and loved working out in his yard. In everything he did, Robert Peterman was so full of life and love for those around him. He liked to be busy and was always on the go, especially during the sunset of his life. There was nothing closer to Roberts heart than his family as he viewed his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as priceless treasures. A true blessing in the lives of many, Robert will be deeply missed while his memory is forever cherished. Robert G. Peterman died Thursday, April 28, 2011. Roberts family includes his wife, Audrey; daughters, Marsha "Mardi" Hall, Amy L. Peterman both of Muskegon; 7 grandchildren, 7 great- grandchildren; sisters, Beverly Osborn of NC, Jean Mary (Bob) Duplissess of N. Muskegon. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandra Janettzke and brother, Clarence "Pete" Peterman. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 4, 2011, 1:00 p.m. at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Ken Shady officiating and Military Honors under the Auspices of the Muskegon County Council of Veterans and the Michigan Army National Guard. Visit with Roberts family and friends on Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.