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As received from the Jacobson Funeral Home:
George Peter Van Straten, age 94 of Baraga, Ml passed away on Tuesday, October 25th, 2022 at UP Health System-Portage in Hancock, MI.
He was born November 26, 1927 in Baraga, Ml son of George and Gertrude (Schmidt) Van Straten. Pete graduated from Baraga High School in 1946. On February 26, 1949, he married his high school sweetheart Lillian (Lil) Juntunen.
Pete started working in the logging industry and later road construction with A. Lindberg & Sons. In 1964 Pete, along with Lil started Van Straten Manufacturing which is Van Straten Brothers currently in its third generation.
In 1980 Pete and Lil purchased the historic mill and deep water port previously owned by The Ford Motor Company in Pequaming, Ml. With their ambitious vision and determination they restored the property and built a marina which they graciously shared with boaters and tourists.
Pete was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ Church, the Knights of Columbus, and various boards and charities throughout the years.
Pete (and Lil) loved spending time with family and good friends, traveling, boating, developing properties, photography, and helping people in need. Pete is known for his hard work ethic and generosity.
Surviving are his daughters Mary (Bill) Mowry of Lake Forest, IL, Sue Van Straten of Lake Worth, FL; sons Peter (Diane) Van Straten of Baraga; George (Jill) Van Straten of Chassell; daughter-in-law Donna Van Straten of Negaunee: grandchildren Peter (Susanah) Landry, Darragh (Arthur) Blachno, Rachel (Colin) Schiewe, Hannah Mowry, Chris (Amber) Van Straten, Carmen (TyIer) Larson, Jenna (Chris) Kelly, Eric (Autumn) Van Straten, Josh (Caitlin) Van Straten, Taylor Swanson, Catherine Van Straten, Matt (Emily) Carstens, Laura Carstens, Ashley (Luke) Cody; great grandchildren, Christian, Colton, Jaycee, Georgia, Tessa, Rylan, Rosalie, Tanner, Breigh, Nari, Daewon, Charlotte, Phoebe, Auggie, Sam, Scarlet, Michael and Melanie; and sister Mary Graef of Downey, CA.
Proceeding him in death are his parents George and Gertrude Van Straten, Lillian his loving wife of 73 years, sons, Baby George and Michael Van Straten; sisters Gertrude “Ann” LaFond and Martha Bruckbauer.
Visitation will be at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church on Saturday, October 29th from 10am to noon. His funeral mass will be at 12 pm with Fr. Larry Van Damme officiating. Burial will be in the Baraga Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the Lakeside Inn in Baraga.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sacred Heart School in L’Anse. Jacobson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Friends may sign Pete’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome. com.
