Howard Petersen

Mr. Howard H. Petersen, age 91, of rural Sidney, passed away early Monday morning, October 11, 2010 at Spectrum Health Rehab & Nursing Center-United Hospital, Greenville, with his children at his side. The son of Julius & Maggie (Brown) Petersen, he was born on April 25, 1919 on the family farm in Sidney. A veteran of World War II, Howard proudly served with the U.S. Army Air Corps. On Dec. 20, 1946, at the First Congregational Church parsonage in Greenville, he married the former Reva Elaine Wisber. Together, they enjoyed almost 62 years of marriage and raised two children, while Howard worked at the former Wolverine Glove factory and farmed. Later he began working at R.J. Tower, where he retired as a truck driver. He enjoyed breakfast with family and friends (at either Big Boy or Down Home), camping, playing cards, and tinkering in the garage at his familys centennial farm. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Reva Petersen, on October 11, 2008; a brother-in-law, Robert Bob Thompson in 2002. Surviving are his children, Susan & Jeff Woudenberg of Sidney, and Mark & Trudy Petersen of Greenville; two granddaughters, Kayla Petersen and Devon Petersen; a sister, Marguerite Thompson of Sidney; and numerous special friends and caregivers. Visitation is Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at the Christiansen Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 511 S. Franklin Street, Greenville, where envelopes for memorial contributions to the First Congregational Church are available. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010 at the First Congregational Church, corner of Cass & Clay streets, Greeenville, where the family will receive relatives and friends one hour prior to services. The Rev. Jerry Jones will officiate and burial, with military honors, will follow at East Montcalm Cemetery. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Howard Petersen, please visit our flower store.