Dr. Elmer F. Peterman

Dr. Elmer F. Peterman, 91, died peacefully at his home in Williamsburg, Michigan on Monday, May 27, 2024. He is survived by many family members, his wife of 25 years, Ruth Peterman and his step children; Otto (Emily) Schnurr, Andrew (Sara) Schnurr and Ben (Cori) Schnurr and 8 step grandchildren; Zachary, Gwen, Campbelle, Penelope, Athena, Ben, Hayden and Harrrison. He is also survived by his 6 children; Ken (Deanna) Peterman, Janis ( Randall) Kline, Jeffrey Peterman, Thomas (Kim) Peterman, James (Connie) Peterman, Julie (Raphael) Rittenhouse and his thirteen grandchildren; Jenny (Magnus), Kerri (Grover), Cris (Wendy), Megan, Collin, Gabriel (Ki-Jana), Jesse, Anna, Laura, Jacob, Samuel, Makayla and Chloe and his great grandchildren; Kaylee, Michael, Kirstyn and Sayla. He is preceded in death by his parents, Wilford and Barbara Peterman, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan his brothers, James and Leslie and his sisters, Elinor and June. He is also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 36 years Donna Peterman, of Redford, Michigan. He was born on October 21, 1932 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to Wilford and Barbara (McKiddie) Peterman. He came from a poor working class family, but his mother taught him the values of faith, honesty, perseverance and hard work. Growing up, Elmer enjoyed playing hockey and baseball. He also spent many days with his dad, picking berries, fishing and hunting in the Upper Peninsula. He graduated in 1950 from Sault Ste. Marie High School. After completing one semester at the Sault Ste. Marie branch of Michigan Tech University he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in July of 1951. He went through basic training at Camp Pendleton near San Diego, CA. In January of 1952, he was sent to Korea where he served in the Korean War as an Artillery Supply Sergeant. He was proud of his military service and credits his time in the Marine Corps for teaching him about discipline, honor, service and leadership. After he returned from his duty in Korea, he began attending Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan in September 1954. In June of 1958, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from EMU in history with a minor in political science and geography. While attending EMU he met his future wife, Donna Jean Payne. They were married on June 20, 1959 in the Bushnell Congregational Church in Detroit, Michigan. He went on to earn a Master of Arts in history from the University of Michigan in 1962. He was awarded a Mott Foundation Fellowship and completed his PhD in Education at the University of Michigan in one year, graduating in 1972. Elmer valued public education and what it represented in changing his life. He believed that all kids deserve the best education regardless of their socioeconomic status and life circumstances. These beliefs led him to dedicate his life’s work to serving in public education. He was extremely proud of his long career in public education, both as a teacher and school administrator; he taught junior high history, geography and honors US history in high school for six years. After teaching, he became an administrator. Over the years, he served as an assistant principal, principal and superintendent of schools. On July 3, 1972, Elmer moved the family “ up north” to become the superintendent of Elk Rapids Schools. He felt fortunate to have led the district for 28 years and was grateful for all the wonderful people he met in the school and the community. He touched many families and staff members, and was proud of leading the district and making it a better place. After he retired he continued to stay current about issues in public education, always reading and advocating on behalf of public schools. He believed strongly in the value of a college degree and being a lifelong learner. He was active in several community groups including; Elk Rapids Rotary Club, the Michigan Association of School Administrators, and the Central United Methodist Church in Traverse City. Elmer was passionate about being a good spouse, father and grandfather. He greatly enjoyed his children and grandchildren. Elmer was a playful father and grandfather who loved spending active time engaging with each unique individual. He was interested in what everyone was doing and made it a point to spend quality time talking with each family member. He enjoyed being active with his grandkids; tossing a football, biking, hiking in the woods and having campfires on the beach. Elmer frequented their activities; sports, music and art. His grandkids benefited tremendously from his attention, love, and conversation. They treasured their time with him and have many fond memories of lazy days by the water; kayaking, swimming and playing in the yard. While raising his six kids with Donna, Elmer enjoyed spending time outdoors; picking berries, fishing, swimming, boating, and going on camping trips all over the UP. He especially loved Tahquamenon Falls, Elk Lake, East Grand Traverse Bay, and the Platte River. In addition to the outdoors, Elmer loved watching sports. He especially liked the Detroit Red Wings and University of Michigan football. After Donna died unexpectedly in 1996, Elmer remarried Ruth Glesne Schnurr on August 22, 1998 and the two families were blended. He was blessed to find a new love and the Peterman’s were blessed to gain a whole new family. Together they especially enjoyed their many grandchildren, but also wonderful conversation, concerts, art fairs and extensive travel in the US and abroad, including fourteen NCAA Frozen Four Hockey Tournaments all over the US. Visitation will be at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Friday, June 14, 2024 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. On Saturday, June 15 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm there will be a visitation at Central United Methodist Church prior to the funeral service which will begin at 2:00pm. Immediately following the funeral service there will be a time to greet the family. Burial will take place at 4:15pm, Saturday, June 15 at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Pastor Linda Stephan will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Elmer’s well-lived life. Please send memorials to the Peterman Scholarship Fund or Central United Methodist Church. Feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Elmer’s family on his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family would like to thank those who visited him in his last weeks, Feast of Victory Lutheran Church families and the Heartland Hospice care team for his end of life care.

Dr. Elmer F. Peterman

October 21, 1932 - May 27, 2024