When ever I am up in Cleveland I miss your laugh . I could hear it in a room full of people. Uncle Vince you were one of God's special souls. And you are greatly missed by us all. 
                         Love and miss u.
                                 JOEY 




I was sorry to learn of Vince's passing. My Grandpa Richard L Strubbe was close friends and worked on the fire department together. I remember seeing "Peterson" as my Grandpa would call him at my Grandpa Strubbe's funeral in 2001. I knew Vince from many times I had been up with my Grandpa Strubbe on the Island as Vince's Middle Bass Island cottage was a few units down 
On East Point. I know he and my Grandfather were very close and Vince made my grandfather laugh all the time.My Grandfather had the cottage down from Vincent from early 1970's till 1993 on East Point and then rented up to at least 1997 and I know even when my Grandfather rented Vincent and my grandpa Strubbe were very close. I remember Vincent as someone with a heart of gold,very energetic and someone who really enjoyed life. I remember how much he loved his dog "Ham Bone" He and his wife (Terry) were both extremely kind to my Grandpa and myself and was always laughing. I remember seeing Ryan at Macy's where I work in Strongsville about 3 years ago and we had a short chat
About his Grandfather and my Grandpa as well! On behalf myself and the Strubbe family I am so sorry for your loss,he was loved  by all who knew him. I am sure My grandpa Strubbe and Peterson are cracking jokes together in peace.Thanks for the memories.
With Sorrow,Andy Strubbe

Vince,

I am remembering and trying to do what you taught me: That no matter what comes into your life good or bad you enjoy it, make the most of it, use it, if need be try to change it but most of all learn to live with it.

Your leaving me is the hardest thing to come into my life. I can't change it but with your help, God's, and the many beautiful memories of our 66 years 3 months and 16 days together I will learn to live with it. You are the best thing that came into my life.

Love, Theresa

P.S. I'm also learning as you also said “If I take care of the keep-up I will get to the back-up”.

It was love at first sight with Uncle Vince.  Whenever I was with him it was guaranteed my cheeks and ribs would hurt due to laughing.  Vince was truly one a kind and I am blessed for knowing him.  Whenever I think of him I can't help but smile.  He just had this incredible aura to make everyone happy with his sense of humor and contagious laugh.  Vince was so full of love, laughter, and generosity for all who knew him.It is a true testament of the man Vince was with all the incredible stories of his shenanigans, jokes, and generosity. Rest in peace Uncle Vince.

Vince was always quick with a joke and a smile.  He will be missed by all who knew him for his friendship and his willingness to help when needed.  Gina and I will especially miss him on the island, he was such a mainstay and he was such a good friend to Roy, we will be forever grateful.



     'VINCE' PETERSON WAS AN EXTRAORDINARY MAN. . "TO KNOW HIM WAS TO LOVE HIM"   MY HUSBAND,
ROY WHO RECENTLY PASSED BEFORE HIM, AND
VINCE WERE BUDDIES ..  IF ANYONE COULD MAKE
ROY LAUGH - VINCE COULD!  VINCE WAS KNOWN FOR
HIS HUMOR - IT WAS TRULY REMARKABLE!
    OUR FRIENDSHIP WITH VINCE AND HIS WIFE, TERRY,
GOES BACK MANY YEARS AND BEGAN ON 'MIDDLEBASS' ISLAND - SO MANY WONDERFUL AND
GREAT MEMORIES - 'VINCE' WILL BE ALWAYS MISSED,
BUT 'NEVER'  FORGOTTEN!  GOD BLESS THE 'PETERSON' FAMILY.
                      sincerely, Gayle Curtis

Grandpa, all of my memories of you and with you involve something funny, something sweet, and a whole lot of love. I have many fond memories of playing cards on Middle Bass (and somehow us grandkids always won),"stealing" hershey kisses from you before mom or dad saw, styling your hair with all of the hair ties and bows we had in tow, and poking fun at one another, and you always ending every joke with a hearty "I love you." One of my favorite memories with you was the eve of my 21st birthday, singing karaoke to "Islands in the Stream" on Middle Bass. To this day I can't listen to that song, or any Dolly Parton or Kenny Rogers for that matter, without thinking of you and smiling. 

Of all the hopes and wishes that I have for Connor, your great-grandson, one in particular stands out as I think of you and the memories you have imprinted on all of us - I hope that he is quick with a joke and that his laughter is contagious, just like his great-grandpa.

I first met Vince in the early 60s when I was in high school, and running around with a high school friend who lived on West 75th Street.  And how do you resist being attracted to Vince?  I am sure my introduction involved some sort of mischief at my expense, that only he could get away with.  And you ended up enjoying it - because he liked you.  After getting out of the service, I found myself back at the Peterson's home, where I was always welcome, to get caught up with Theresa and Vince (and probably a chance to see Sandy).  Over the next couple of years, I enjoyed many late nights with Vince on their back porch drinking beer and brandy, and swapping stories til' way past last call, only to have Vince remind me that I had to go to work in the morning....and he didn't.  
Then there were those memorable weekend trips to Middle Bass hauling material for the dock in the Ma' Bell truck, and "borrowing" rocks from one side of the island and dumping them in front of the cottage for erosion control.  And of course we somehow always ended up at Lonz Winery.  
Then eight or nine years after first meeting Vince he became my father-in-law, and both he and Theresa made me feel very much a part of their family and I have enjoyed their love, respect, and friendship for well over 42 years.  
Vince you are a special person in my life.  A mentor, a very good friend, and my father-in-law.  I love you man, and I miss you.  So until we meet again, rest in peace my friend.

Tim

 There are good men, even a few great men, however there will only be one Vincent Peterson.  The memories of this man are too numerous and great to count, to say he is loved by family and friends is an understatement.  Grandpa was full of stories; lessons and excitement that I will always remember and treasure.  
       We played many games of Top Me on the island and the puzzle rings he left for me to solve, these are the childhood memories that I cherish the most.  The work and chores accomplished from clearing the South 40 on the island, to leveling sidewalks in North Olmsted; all the while taking the time to teach us how and why to do the job right.  However, we cannot forget the “other lessons” such as proving that chainsaws grow on trees, while some trees are magic and will levitate when felled.  The stories of six steaks means six pieces of charcoal is still told and reenacted to this day amongst friends and family.  These memories and so many others are why I am one of the luckiest grandsons to have shared this time with you, even moving the refrigerator.
     You have been a wondrous influence upon us all and shall be cherished and loved for the rest of time. For as these stories are remembered and shared, your memory lives on and continues influencing those that reflect back upon the man we love and cherish, Vincent Peterson.

Ryan and Lindsey

It has been said that laughter is one of the greatest gifts that you will ever have.  If that is true, I was taught by a master.  I remember your humor and practical jokes, but what I will treasure the most were the lessons that were mixed with that humor (i.e. lemon and milk do NOT mix).  As a child I watched a loving husband and caring father who taught me to swim, ride my bike, and learn to love the outdoors.  But most of all, thank you for teaching me not to take myself so seriously, and for helping to make me the wife, mother, and grandmother that I am today.

Love always your "favorite" daughter
Sandy

I will always remember the first time I met you. You told me your name was George. I believe I called you George for about 3 or 4 weeks then you finally told me the truth. You were always playing jokes.  You were a great neighbor on Middle Bass Island and will truly be missed.

I will forever remember the good times we shared, whether it was a bowl of Frosted Flakes at the breakfast table, a "heated" game of Uno on the island, or a sunset boat ride on Lake Erie.  You always had a story or a joke to tell, and were always quick to share a chocolate kiss. I love you Grandpa.

Love always,
Allison

I will always have a smile when I think of you. Thank you for the great memories.

My Sweet Prince,

Memories of the love and happiness you have brought to my life are long and many.

We met in June 1946, dated, and became engaged in 1947. (I bet I am the only girl that was proposed to and given her engagement ring on a picket line). On July 5th, 1948 we were married in St. Stephen's Church, the beginning of my life with you.

How do I describe “you”, my Love? Husband, loving, faithful, father, grandfather, great grandfather, provider, protector, thoughtful, caring, humble, teacher, fireman, sailor, friend, lifesaver, listener, scout master, and always smiling. The list is endless. You could also be a reprimander and proud as you watched our son, Donald and daughter, Sandra grow into the man and woman they are. Yes my Love, you truly left many footprints in your walk through life.

The times we shared with our children, grandchildren, family, and friends be it for a vacation, special event, dinner, party, holiday, or just a “get together” they were always fun. For you have a way of making everyone smile and feel welcome (Hope no one asks our grandchildren Ryan, Ross, and Emily about Middles Bass get togethers). 

We had our share of sorrows and disappointments for these I had your arms to comfort me and help me through them. 

The past 18 months you have been through so much. Never complaining, making everyone smile who doctored and/or treated you. Making light of what you were going through. 

God had seen the pain and anguish in your beautiful blue eyes and with you He said “No more.” On October 21st, 2014 at 8:25 in the morning He took you in His arms where you found comfort. You are with Him now, your body is at rest, and your soul is at peace.

My heart and arms are now empty for you my Love, my Life, my Soul.

Goodnight my Sweet Prince – we shall meet again. 

God bless you my Love

Theresa, Your Wife

“Parting is such sweet sorrow”

Grandpa had so many stories. His stories about his time in the WWII Pacific Theater, his antics on Put-in-Bay, Middle Bass, and Lonz, growing up on the farm, going out to Wyoming, and when my father and Aunt Sandy fed the bear cubs sugar cubes. All of his stories would make you laugh but there was a recurring theme and lesson if you listened closely: he loved the people around him and he wanted those he loved to be happy. 

He was the most selfless man I have ever known. He had experienced so many heartbreaking things in his life that would make any other person become cold and jaded. But he didn't. He kept looking forward, knew more would come, and he would get through it. Like he would say, “that's the way the ball bounces”.

He was powerful and brave. He was honest and kind. He was a talented teacher and exceptionally funny. He would walk into a room and become friends with everyone there. He looked to other's needs before his own. He would go to the ends of the earth for me and I would swim to the depths of the ocean for him.

We first met Vince when we moved into the house next door on Sherwood.  We quickly found that he was a man of many faces.  He was always there to help, he loved a good story and a GOOD PRANK.  Once we were meeting Terry and him and other friends at Mon Ami winery.  We were seated on folding chairs, enjoying the music, when Vince came running up and grabbed Clem while yelling "you slept with my wife".  After Security came we needed to explain that it was "just Vince".  We have many such stories and love relating them.  Vince was a man who definitely knew how to live life to the fullest.  He will be sorely missed!

I remember staying for a few days with my Dad & Uncle Vincent on Middle Bass Island.  During that time we managed to take a boat trip to Pelee Island and got stranded there overnight, take a trip to Kelleys Island on the Sonny S in 8'-10' waves to watch Lonz's  softball team and also, see a couple storms pass through, but Uncle Vincent always made the best of every experience and made it fun.   Although he was quite the jokester, he was someone you could trust and rely on.  I will never forget anytime that he would joke with us or tease us, he would always say “Don't tell your mother”.    Uncle Vincent gave us so many great memories.

I have sooo many memories of Vince and our times at Lonz Winery. The times I got stuck with the bill.  Or when we helped a friend who had fallen because of artificial legs. Getting him up,Vince pushing from behind, me with my feet pressed against the artificial feet, pulling. Or the time we helped a Lonz employee who had fallen and hurt his back, and had a hard time using his legs. He lived on the second floor of the animal house. Vince pushing from  behind, and me taking the injured legs putting them on one step at a time, so that he could push up and get to his apt.  When we got him up to his apt. he almost fell out the window while we were trying to put him in his chair.  Or the time we were driving home (one dark moonless nite) from Lonz and Vince's car was struck from behind.
When we first felt the impact, Vince thought we were struck by a plane, because we did not hear or see another car coming.
Vince was a fun loving, caring friend to everyone.  There are a million more stories about Vince, but there isn't enough room  or time to tell them here. A toast to Vince and a live well lived.

we met Vince over 20 yrs. ago on Middle Bass Island.  Vince was always a comedian and a friend to both of us.  He was the best host whenever and wherever we visited him.  we will miss his smiling face so much. love, Jim and Dianne Harkin

Uncle Vince was for sure one in a million - we ALWAYS had a great time when he was around - we will miss his laugh and his mischievous smile

Vincent loved my pies and I enjoyed making them for him.

Vincent had a terrific personality and was the life of the party.

One story that Vincent told us was when David's father, Victor, came to watch television (while you were gone) and a friend of the Peterson's came to visit and when he came in the house Victor told him he didn't belong there and made him leave.  When that person said to Vincent that your father was really a tough cookie.  Vincent knew right a way that it was Victor.

Another story was when Vincent, Theresa, Victor, and David went fishing on the West side of North Bass Island, Theresa was casting her fishing pole and caught Victor's hat with her lure which upset Victor, but years later we laughed about it.

Dave always enjoyed conversations with Vincent on the front lawn discussing mutual funds, stocks, and the latest news happening on Middle Bass Island while drinking Genesee Cream Ale.

 We will cherish these memories forever.

David and Judy Kunka    (Kent OH and Middle Bass Island)

Aunt Theresa,
      Uncle Vincent left us with many happy memories and will not be forgotten. I will always remember celebrating the holidays and the laughter he brought.  I will always remember the first time I went to middlebass, he picked us up at the ferry in this old delivery truck, it didn't go very fast, but as we approached the cottage I asked how do you stop? He said watch and we coasted right into a tree. Uncle Vince made everyone smile.

Vincent,known to me when at a young age as "gin-gin" because I couldn't pronounce Vincent, was always doing daring things,even at young age.  When he lived on the farm in Trumbull County with his mom and dad, he would drive me around the farm in his dad's Willys truck, and he was only twelve!  Later, when his mom died, he came to live with Grandma and Grandpa Winkel in his high school years and even then he was already a survivor and entrepreneur.  He would lend my mom, Helen, money and charge her 10% interest.  Every week she would pay up and then borrow again the following week.
    For many years after he was married, my brother Dick, Dad, and I would play pinochle every Tuesday night with Vince.  We played on Tuesday because I was off on Wednesday.  The cut-throat games gave us many memories and stories over the years.  The joy of those nights can never be replaced!  
    In closing, I will always remember Vince as a wonderful cousin, a loyal and true friend, and always there thru the years whenever you needed him-Thanks Vince for all the wonderful memories -" Requiescite in Pace"
                                                          Love, Bob and Marilyn

One story comes to mind when I remember Uncle Vince, and it involves Middle Bass Island.  When I was probably the sixth or seventh grade, Dad took Rob and I to the island for the day.  Uncle Vince and Don were waiting for us at the dock in the old mail truck to pick us up and take us to the cottage.  We got in the truck, and Uncle Vince told me to sit up front in the passenger seat, with dad, Rob and Don in the back.  On our way to the cottage, Uncle Vince slowed down to allow the car behind us to get closer.  When the car got close enough, Uncle Vince said,"Go ahead Don, and blast them."  With that, Don kicked open the back door and blasted the car with water from an old fire extinguisher.  You should have seen the expression on the face of an unexpecting island driver-Total Shock!   We all said to Uncle Vince, "aren't you afraid of the police".  He responded, "Hell no, I know em all and they know I do this all the time.  I guess the fireman in him never left.
     As we continued our journey to the cottage, traveling around 30mph, Vince took a quick left turn, and I completely fell out of the truck onto the dirt road and rolled like a stunt man.  No seat belt and no doors.  I was totally in shock and crying, he came back to get me laughing to no end.  He said," you did that better than anyone I had ever seen, and don't tell your mom!"  The prankster never left him either.
      I would like to close with something his son-in-law,Tim, said to me at the wake, which was one of the greatest compliment he could give Vince.  Tim said he loved him, and that Vince and Theresa gave him one of the greatest gifts anyone could give, and that was their daughter, Sandy. Married over 30 years with two wonderful daughters. Tim said he was forever grateful-
                                                           We will miss you Uncle Vince!  Love, Chris 
                                                                                                                and Jill

It is with sadness we say farewell to Vince.  He was always hospitable & fun.  We will never forget him in the yellow & black checked "zoot" suit, what a hoot. It's hard to mention Vince without Terry as they were always together-what a team.  They were the George Burns & Gracie Allen of Middle Bass. Thanks for the wonderful memories.

Mr. Bully AKA, Mr Peterson, you will truly be missed by many, especially the kids that grew up in West 75th Street. You always threatened to put us in your pricked bushes. Lots of memories, even at Gordon Shore Boat Club.  Mrs Peterson, Donnie & and Sandy, I send my condolences to you! Love Mary Sheehan

I will always remember Vince with that twinkle in his eye and great smile ready with a funny comeback in a conversation, but what really moved me was his  true spiritually and love for his family. We will so miss him on Middle Bass! Jim and Mary Roesch

vince spent his entire life helping other people, professionally and personally, sometimes without even knowing it because it was his nature. He was the kind of person that you meet and walk away a better person from the experience. He brought joy and happiness to more people than he will ever know and had a blast doing it even when it was at his expense. We will greatly miss you uncle vince, but you will forever live in our hearts and our memories.

Terry, Judy and I will miss Uncle Vince. The fires at your house, on Middle Bass. Our times in the Keys and North Port, Fl. The burger nights.  The jokes, the antics that always made things fun.  His sense of humor and the way he dished it out and loved to get it back. There was only ONE Vince! The Island will never be the same.

I will miss him. We had the best times as a family together, I will always have the memories of the great times we had together either up in Cleveland and when you came down here to visit mom and us.

Theresa, Visiting your house on Middle Bass was special to me.  I will always remember the two Horatios. He was a great man.   Bill Martens

"Thanks for the memories!  We'll all miss you greatly.

Rich Harter

Terry, Vince was a great guy. He always teased Dave and I about Zeus our Rottweiler. Every year I would send you a Christmas card with Zeus. Either Vince would call me or I would see him at a Credit Union meeting and he would say how many kids did that damn dog eat. Do you have any kids in your neighborhood left. I cannot believe you let him eat all those kids. Vince was always so happy and so funny. I am so glad we got to know him. Marilyn

Aunt Theresa,
We are sorry for your loss. I have so many great memories of Uncle Vincent when I was a child. His crazy antics made us all laugh and enjoy his company, even if we did go and tell our mom. I am so glad for the years you and Uncle Vincent came to Arizona. It was a treat to get together with you, and a great opportunity for my children to get to know you and Uncle Vincent. We will miss him dearly.

Terry, my deepest sympathy goes out to you and everyone that ever had the pleasure AND luck of knowing Vince.  We were truly blessed to have had him in our lives.  If there were ever a person who enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest, it was Vince.  Always smiling, always making me laugh, and always giving me a hard time;)  I will miss him dearly, but will always hold a special place in my heart for him.  Vince, as you now sit in comfort and peace on the shores of Middle Bass Island sipping your wine and listening to the waves wash upon the sand (probably more realistically crushed zebra mussels) please always remember that you have been loved, you are loved, and always will be loved.  Rest my friend, and bring that laughter to those that have passed before you.

A man who truly cared.  One who blustered and thundered, then hugged and smiled.  A loving father like no other, a rare gift no child dare dream of.  A family man for whom FAMILY truly “Came first, last and always”.  A leader of scouts and of men.

A friend to all who stopped and said hello.  Laughter and smiles surrounded him wherever he went.  A drink and a bite to eat along with a joke or two always awaited you at his home.

Never without a word, till the day Mom gave him a present that took his breath away.  He stammered and stuttered, his mouth agape, “You're s!*!**g me” was all that would pass.  For a brand new shiny boat sat in his driveway and Mom's smile told him all he needed to know.  A new course was set for the family that day and we eventually sailed into Middle Bass to stay.

So to all who come to visit and remember him I ask you to please leave your story of ‘Cheap Charlie', ‘Mr. Bully', ‘Pete', ‘Vince', or of the man you knew.

                                                                                                                        Thank you

                                                                                                                        Don, a loving son and his PIA

Terry my thoughts are with you and your family.  I know how much Vince will be missed by all of you.  
I remember all the UTU picnics, office parties, and  the favorite clam bakes, all with Vince always laughing.  I don't remember a time when he didn't.  His retirement party was one of the best.  The weekend some of us girls came to the island  was so much fun.
Good times, good memories.

Looking back over the past 50+ years of knowing, working, and playing with my buddy Vince, it has been an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world!  I will always remember our Fire Department Dive trips and the entertaining memories they created.  At the Firehouse, I always enjoyed our colorful notes at roll call and shift changes too.  With Vince, you always had a good time.  He will truly be missed!  Good-bye, my friend.

Therese,  Vince was one of our family and will be greatly missed. As a kid I could always count on him even though he could be a stinker. He was my friend, my cousin, like a brother and always there if you needed him.  We had great times on the Island and at his home.  Pat

Middle Bass Island has lost one of its very special people.  Vince's smile and his unique personality will be greatly missed.  The pictures in the photo gallery certainly portrayed happy memories of a man who loved and was loved by his family.  My heartfelt sympathy to Theresa and their family.
Teddi Pertner

Terry and Family,  We will cherish the many memories of Vince and our times at Middle Bass. A toast to a life well lived.

Judy & Bob Cummings

Terry and family,
My condolences to all of you and I will keep you in my prayers.
Jane Haney

Our sympathy to Theresa and family for there loss. Our memories of Vince. And all the wonderful times we had with him at Gordon Shore Boat Club. And all the Parties.

Terry & family

We are saddened to hear of Vince's " leaving Middle Bass " for the final time. It was always fun to be with him. Even though we only saw each other once a year or so he treated us like family every time we were together. We will smile when we think of him.

Our sympathy and prayers to Terry & Family and the MBI community.

Tom, Eileen, & Maggie Berichon
Park Ridge, Illinois

My condolences to Theresa and Family. Vince and Theresa were always a fun couple to be with.  Many great memories

My sincere sympathy to Theresa and family.  When I think of Vince my memories take me back to all the good times we had together especially our family get togethers, Vince and Theresa's great holiday parties and all the wonderful visits we had to the island.  Vince was and always will be a brother to me.  Love Pat

My sympathy to Theresa and the family.  When I think of Vince my memories take me back to all the good times we had together; especially our family get togethers, the card playing and all the wonderful visits we had on the island.  Vince was just like and always will be a brother to me.  Love Pat

Dear Aunt Theresa and Family,
So very sorry for your loss!  Uncle Vincent was a favorite of ours and will be missed dearly.  I always enjoyed hearing the stories that my dad told me of growing up with Uncle Vincent.  I will never forget his smile, his laughter, and his zest for life.  I agree you were always the cutest couple, Aunt Theresa and he loved you dearly!  

Sincerely,

Marybeth Harter and the Harter Family

Dear Mrs. Peterson and Family,
So very sorry for your loss.  It was always a pleasure seeing Mr. P. And you. You always were one of the cutest couple ever. I absolutely loved his sense of humor.  He will be missed.  With deepest sympathy.

OBITUARY

Vincent C. Peterson

August 20, 1926 – October 21, 2014

Corrigan Craciun Funeral Home

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