William Mearl Peterman, known as Bill, age 77, peacefully passed away on September 16, 2026, at Holt Senior Care. Born in Lansing, Michigan, on March 9, 1949, Bill was the beloved son of William and Hazel (Carpenter) Peterman. He lived in the Lansing area his entire life, building a steady, familiar life marked by quiet devotion to family and the simple pleasures that brought him joy.
Bill graduated from East Lansing High School in 1967 and attended Lansing Business University for three years. Bill explored different career paths before landing a job he truly loved at EDS (Electronic Data Systems). He worked in computer programming and data analysis, retiring after over 20 years—work well-suited to his focus, patience, and thoughtful way of approaching the world.
Those who knew Bill will remember a good listener, a man of few words, and a presence made warm by a great laugh. In his youth, Bill enjoyed playing the drums, especially the time spent playing with his high school garage band, "The Church." Along with computers, he enjoyed playing pool and playing cards. He took particular pride in the lives and activities of his children, watching his daughter Shannon participate in Special Olympics, cheering on his daughter Molly as she played basketball, and spending time up north in Seney at the family cabin hunting with his son Billy and many relatives reliving stories from the previous years. He especially looked forward to visits from his four grandchildren.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Hazel Peterman. He is survived by his three children, Shannon Peterman, William "Bill" (Angie) Peterman, and Molly Peterman; their mother, Donna Peterman; his grandchildren, Peyton, Taylor and William "Billy" Peterman and Reign Peterman-Duckett. He is also survived by his sister, Shelly (Dennis) Glew; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 900 East Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48912, on September 21, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, with the Funeral Service to follow from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. A Committal Service will take place at Gunnisonville Cemetery, E Clark Rd, Lansing, MI 48906, on September 21, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm.
A memorial contribution can be made in Bill's honor to the Special Olympics Area 8.
In the words of Bill: "Have Fun. Do Good. Be Good."
