Joan Peterson

Joan Peterson, 88, of Bethany Beach went to be with her Lord on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at Arbor Oaks in Andover, MN. She passed away in her sleep surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral Services will be held 3:00 PM EDT on Sunday, October 14, 2018 at Harbert Community Church, 6444 Harbert Road, Harbert, MI. In lieu of flowers, her family has requested donations go to the Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org/.  Online condolences at www.PikeFH.com.

Joan was born March 26, 1930 in Chicago, at Edgewater Hospital to Lydia and Herbert Unruh. She attended Mary Lion Grammar School and graduated from Steinmetz High School in 1948. Joan enrolled at North Park College where she met Pete, her husband of 63 years who preceded her in death in 2013. They were married on Aug 18, 1950 in Chicago before moving to Leroy, Michigan where Pete served as a pastor.  Joan and Pete then moved to Mt. Prospect, Illinois, where they raised their family and lived for over 45 years. Joan was an active and dedicated member of Northwest Covenant Church. She was a remarkable cook who enjoyed preparing meals for her family, friends and for church suppers. Joan was a stay-at-home mom until her youngest was in school. In 1967 she went to work in the busy ophthalmology practice of Dr. Frank Impastato, until she retired in 2000. Joan and Pete then moved to Bethany Beach, Michigan where they lived happily for 15 years and were always active in the life of the Bethany Beach Community and Harbert Community Church.  In 2013 Joan and Pete moved to Arbor Oaks in Andover, MN to be closer to their daughter Carol, her husband Gary Leafblad and their extended family, who watched over them with affection and tireless  care. Joan was a loving and devoted wife and mother. Her life was dedicated to Christ and she was a constant example of a life lived full of grace. She will be missed by all her many friends and family.

Survivors include her five children: David (Margaret), Ken (Wanda), Carol (Gary), Jon-Daniel (Marcia) and Thom; eight grandchildren: Andrew, Jennifer, Allison, Anna, Jon, David, Kelsey, and Tim; twelve great grandchildren: Josie, Taylor, Linnea, Avril, Landon, Brynn, Levi, Teagan, Charlie, Gannon, Thomas, Trace; and her sister: Eileen.

Arrangements have been entrusted to The Boyd Chapel of Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, 9191 Red Arrow Highway, Bridgman, MI 49106.