Philip Eugene Peterson

Philip graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1951. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Korea, France, Tennessee and Florida. During his time in Korea, he was trained to work with sentry dogs, which are security dogs. Later he was given special assignments to work with the Korean Army and the Korean Marines on road patrols and checked on the radar sites in the mountains. Following his military service, he graduated from Michigan State University in Police Administration with a Major in Psychology. In 1960, following his graduation, he met and married the love of his life, Judy Lederer from Ann Arbor, MI. While employed with the Flint School Board, he earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Counseling, graduating in 1965 from the University of Michigan. During this time he helped pioneer the War On Poverty Program in Flint and was active with the Big Brothers Association. Philip had a lifelong dedication to caring for others and pursuing his career of helping persons with disabilities find and keep employment. He worked for Michigan Rehabilitation Services as an Administrator and Counselor. Philip then continued his career with the State of Michigan as the State Director for the Michigan Commission for the Blind (now known as Bureau of Services for Blind Persons). During his work with the blind he was elected to be the National President of State Agencies. After 30+ years, he retired in June of 1997. Philip served as President of the East Lansing Lions Club. During his leisure time, he was a true outdoorsman. Philip had a lifelong passion for hunting and fishing. He loved to spend time at their family cabin in Northern Michigan. He loved gardening, especially planting trees and vegetable gardens.

Philip is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Judy Peterson; sons, Steve (Karen) Peterson and Brad (Kimber) Peterson; granddaughters, Sharon “Beth” Peterson, Danielle Peterson and Jillian Peterson; brothers, Ralph “Pete” (Chris Cunningham) Peterson and John (Wendy) Peterson; brother-in-law, Jim Colson and numerous nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Duane (Nancy) Peterson; sister, Dolores “Dee” Colson.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at Ascension Lutheran Church 2780 Haslett Road, East Lansing with Pastor Sean McCoy officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-8 pm on Friday at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes East Lansing Chapel. A Committal Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly with military honors offered.

For those desiring to make a memorial contribution in Philip’s honor please consider Ascension Lutheran Church or Leader Dogs for the Blind at www.leaderdog.org.

To leave a cherished memory or words of sympathy for the Peterson Family please visit www.greastlansing.com.