Carl Peterson

Carl was born on September 11, 1949 in Marquette, Michigan. His parents were Carl G. Peterson and Frances (Wood) Peterson. He grew up in South Marquette. Carl loved hunting, fishing, swimming and enjoying life along the shores of Lake Superior. He graduated from Marquette Senior High School in 1967. During his schools days, Carl participated in sports and liked downhill skiing and working on his motorcycle.

After high school, Carl enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Aside from his family, Carl was most proud of his service to his country. His time in the Air Force took him to bases around the United States and the world. He served in the Vietnam War and would later share many of his experiences with his family. After being honorably discharged, Carl continued his military service in the Army Reserves and National Guard.

Outside of the military, Carl attended NMU and became a certified welder and a licensed wastewater treatment operator. He applied his education to working as an iron worker at the Tilden Mine in the Upper Peninsula and later in Trenton, MI as a wastewater treatment operator. Carl was active in his union, serving as a union negotiations rep. He retired in 2007.

After retiring, Carl and Marie moved to New Port Richey, FL where they spend time playing cards, going to the pool and having many fun evenings together with wonderful friends. Carl was a loyal Green Bay Packers Fan.

Carl is survived by his wife, Marie Peterson; daughters, Tina (Steve) Paugh (AZ); Misty (Dexter) Polk (CA); Mandy (Jeremy) Gardner (MI); siblings, John (Janis) Peterson, Rita Christensen, Jim Peterson and Karen Smith of Marquette; Nancy (Rick) Taylor (AZ); Susan (Rich) Jackson (OR); eight grandchildren and many other extended family members and friends.

Carl was a man who deeply loved his family and worked hard to provide for them. He instilled this love of family and hard work into his daughters and grandchildren.

One of Carl’s favorite songs was “My Way” by Frank Sinatra. As the song says, Carl lived a full life with laughter, tears, ups and downs. In the end, though, he never sacrificed who he was or the values he held dear.

Carl will be deeply missed by those that knew him and will always stay in their hearts. He will be remembered at a private Celebration of Life ceremony later in Marquette, Michigan. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carl’s name to the Marquette VFW #44.