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TAPIOLA
William H. “Bill” Peterson, 74, a resident of Tapiola, died Monday, October 22, 2018, at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility in Hancock.
He was born January 22, 1944, in Tapiola, a son of the late Helmer and Saima (Kinnunen) Peterson.
Bill was a graduate of the John A. Doelle School and also attended Northern Michigan University and Suomi College.
On September 10, 1966, he was married to the former Cora Aho in Pike River, Minnesota. The couple also resided in New Hampshire, Virginia and North Carolina. In 1993, they returned to the area, making their home in Tapiola.
Bill taught English at Michigan Technological University and later worked for Seppala and Aho Construction. Through the years, he also worked as an electrician.
Bill was a member of the Tapiola Apostolic Lutheran Church. He was fondly known as “Billy Pete” and will always be remembered for his social nature. Everyone was always welcome at Bill and Cora’s home. Bill would tell folks “come early and stay late – if the light is on, come on in.” Bill was well loved by his family and friends and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Cora of Tapiola;
his children, Daniel of Tapiola, Jill Peterson (Lance) Aho of Chassell, Mark (Maria) Mattila of Trimountain; 13 grandchildren, Jesse Johnson, Rylar and Blaire Aho, and Ariel, Cole, Chantal, Spencer, Camilla, Shiloah, Clay, Alexia, Harmony and Victoria Peterson; four sisters, Eleanor “Elly” (Chad) Kuivanen, Marge Miller, Ruth (Mark) North, and Karen (Bill) King; one aunt, Marie Rouse; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents, Bill was also preceded in death by two sisters, Marie Short and Myrna Kuivanen; and a nephew, Jeremy Kuivanen.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 25, 2018, at the Tapiola Apostolic Lutheran Church, with Pastor Ken Storm to officiate. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church. Burial will be in the Elo Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by the Mountain View Mortuary of South Range, Antila Funeral Service, Inc. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at antilafuneral.com.
