Michael Larry Peltonen

Michael Larry Peltonen was born on August 24th 1947 in Detroit, Michigan to Lauri Peltonen and Blanche "Swisher" Peltonen. Michael graduated from Cooley High School in 1965. After graduation he went to college for one year studying Engineering at Highland Park College in Highland Park, MI. In 1966 Michael enlisted in the US Navy and went to boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois. After graduating boot camp he was assigned to US Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (MCB 128) in Gulfport, MS. Michael deployed to Vietnam and served two tours in Vietnam. Da Nang 1967-1968 and Quang Tri 1968-1969. After returning home from Vietnam, in September of 1969 Michael went to work for Detroit Diesel Allison Corporation in Cincinnati, Ohio as a diesel mechanic. He climbed through the corporate ladder and became and was promoted to management positions over service and sales. One of those promotions meant moving his family to Indianapolis, Indiana in 1985. Later on Detroit Diesel Allison would be bought by Roger Penske and became Clarke Detroit Diesel Allison. Michael worked for them for over 30 years. After switching Career gears he became a diesel mechanics instructor at Lincoln Technical Institute in Indianapolis. Mike would go on to retire in 2012 and decided to move to Arizona in 2014. He would enjoy the remainder of his life in Arizona with his loving wife. Michael's hobbies included model trains, bird watching, cooking and he loved John Deere tractors. Michael loved tractors so much he even restored an old rusty 1952 John Deere Model B in the 1980’s. He also had a devoted compassion for Golden Retrievers.

Michael leaves behind his wife Anne Peltonen. His children Michael L. Peltonen Jr. (Rhonda) of Cordova, Tn. Christine Peltonen (Charles Lovett) of Westfield, IN. Grandchildren Matthew, Jonathan, Alexandria and Jaden and two beloved dogs Lady and Brandy.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents Lauri Peltonen and Blanche Swisher Peltonen. Michael was and is a deeply loved man and will be equally missed. He was a true hero of our nation and will be remembered as a man that helped build America.