Elaine Kathryn Peterson

Elaine Kathryn Peterson, 85, of Alston, Michigan received her crown of everlasting life on December 5, 2024, when she passed from this life to eternal glory at her home surrounded by loving family.

Mere words are inadequate to describe Elaine and her life.

She entered this world on February 9, 1939, with the sisu of her Finnish heritage, to Oiva and Gertrude Juntunen. She was born at home in Baraga, and as a young child moved to the Detroit area where she resided until she married Paul E. Peterson of Alston on December 30, 1955. In true Elaine form, it was a midnight wedding. They began their married life in Rhode Island and lived in the UP and LP at various times before moving the family back to “God’s Country” in 1969. She had resided in Alston since then, and firmly stated that she “never wanted to move again!”

She always said that she “just loved babies.” She and Paul had four of their own: Eleanor, Paul, Donald, and Yvonne. She was a devoted mother.

She held many jobs throughout her work life beginning at age 14 until she finally retired at age 77. Her employment over the years consisted of various service jobs, Bell telephone operator, home health care, USPS, and the Laird/L’Anse school system for 25 years as a paraprofessional with her tenure in the school system concluding as a learning lab aide/instructor with the Finnish language program. She went on to serve as the Laird Township clerk for 20 years.

Besides her many jobs and caring for her family, she enjoyed sewing, baking bread, and finding a “good deal.” One would never be surprised at what or who she would haul home, including dogs!

She was a woman of unwavering faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was a strong advocate of the “power of prayer.” She was a member of the ALCA, being a current member of the Alston congregation and a past member of the Tapiola congregation. She enjoyed Bible study at Tapiola until hearing and vision impairments made it difficult to attend. She cherished her many Christian friends, young and old alike.

Preceding her in death were her husband Paul E. Peterson on December 2, 1993, both of her parents in January 1994, her second husband Ray Vassel, and her brother John Juntunen.

She is survived by her children Eleanor, Paul and Donald Peterson, and Yvonne (Dave) Smith; her grandchildren Rob Peterson (with Tiffany Kollar), Colin, Megan, Brandon (Sarah) and Ellen Smith. Also surviving are her sister Alyce Williford and a sister-in-law Evelyn (Larry) Moberg, along with nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of life service will be held at noon on December 14, 2024, at the Tapiola Apostolic Lutheran church, conducted by Ed Hulkonen Jr. and Ken Storm. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the Alston cemetery. Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Jesus said, “Come.”