Lee Robert Peterson's Obituary
Edmore - Lee Robert Peterson, age 96, passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2022, at Woodland Hospice House in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Lee was born in Edmore, Michigan on September 17, 1925, to Robert and Thelma (Byer) Peterson. He graduated in 1943 from Edmore High School. Lee was drafted and began serving with the US Navy in 1944, during WWII. He was a Radioman third class on the USS Estes, mostly in the Pacific Theater. In the fall of 1946, Lee attended Central Michigan University before transferring to Michigan State College in 1949. He received a Bachelor of Art Degree in 1950 and went on to obtain a Master of Art Degree in 1952. He began farming in 1947 just north of Edmore, Michigan. Lee married Janet Virginia Swetnam on June 21, 1958. He and Janet raised three children, William, Janet, and Robert, and were lifetime residents of Edmore, Michigan. One of Lee's many passions was planting trees.
In October 2017, the State of Michigan recognized Lee with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Montcalm County Conservation District. He has planted well over 100,000 trees since the beginning of his farm.
Lee is survived by his daughter Janet (Gary Thornsbury) Peterson, son Robert (Jane Hansen) Peterson, daughter-in-law Ileen (Himbaugh) Peterson, grandchildren Nathen Peterson, Ryan and Sidney (Lint) Peterson, sister-in-law Mary Lou Peterson.
Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Thelma Peterson, wife Janet (Swetnam) Peterson, son William Peterson, brother Calvin Peterson, and sister Mary Wilcox.
The family will greet friends and family Wednesday, April 13, 2022, from 5:00 - 8:00 P.M. at the Brigham Funeral Chapel in Edmore, Michigan. Interment at Vinewood Cemetery will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Faith United Methodist Church in Edmore, MI. Condolences to the family may be made utilizing the guestbook at www.brighamfuneralchapel.com.
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