Dorothy Joan Peterson

Dorothy, a name meaning “gift of God”, (Dort) Joan Peterson went to be with Jesus with open arms into the gates of Heaven on November 18, 2021. She was born August 27, 1937 in Montcalm County and adopted by Lambert and Jennie VanHaitsma when she was 2 years old.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Thomas Peterson, two sisters, Shirley Dukes and Gertrude VanHaitsma. Her children, Judy (Jerry) Nuismer, Vicky (Verl) Bleeker, Pat (Rich) Cullers, Sue (Tim) Schuiling, Jennifer (Kris) Assaley, Jolene (Randy) VanMaldegen, Gail Bailey, Robbie (Robert) Fowler, Kellie (in memory, Tim) Nichols. Her grandchildren, Dustin (Michelle) Schuiling, Jenassa Nuismer (Trevor Brown), Leah (Eric) Scholten, Chase (Cassie) Bleeker, Bobbi Jo (Juan) Guerra, Justin (Jamie) Schuiling, Jamee (Chrissy) Schuiling, Dalton (Anya) Troost, Kristin Dorothy Assaley, Willie (special grand pup), Anna VanMaldegen, Joey VanMaldegen, Heather (in memory, Scott) Voshel, Sara (Joshua) Patzer, Hidie Nichols, Autumn Nichols (Kyrel Hall), Tammy (Dave) Nykamp, Julie (Kurt) Butterworth, Michael (Toni) Cullers, Kayla Cullers and 22 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her son, Harlan Berens and daughter-in-law, Jody, her parents and many other close family members dear to her heart.

Dort was the Matriarch of her very large family. She was the glue that kept everyone together with many family traditions. She was always a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, a word of encouragement, the greatest cheerleader, her family’s everything! She loved her children and grand and great-grandchildren spending all of her time with them. Family is what meant the most to her. Above all, Dorothy taught her children and grand and great-grandchildren to love Jesus. She taught them to give any pain, sorrow, concerns, and joys all to Him. She taught them to trust in God’s plan. As she would always say “Give it to Jesus honey.” Her fighting, caring, and loving spirit lives on in all of her children and grand and great-grandchildren. She will always be with them and a part of them.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles: they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of His hand. Dorothy is dancing, singing, rejoicing, and soaring with our Lord Jesus!

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Calvary Church, 400 Beeline Road in Holland, at noon. The family will greet visitors an hour prior to services.