Mr. Jerry Frank Peterson

Jerry Frank Peterson, age 92, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2026, at his home in Warren, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Gunar Peterson and the late Julie (nee DeRonghe) Peterson.

Jerry was raised in Detroit and graduated from Southeastern High School in 1952. A talented basketball player, he attended Hillsdale College on a basketball scholarship before putting his education on hold to serve his country. From 1954 to 1956, Jerry proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany. His years of service were an important part of the man he became strong, dependable, disciplined, and always willing to do what needed to be done.

After returning home, Jerry continued his education and earned his bachelor’s degree from Lawrence Technological College. In March of 1960, he began his career with General Motors. But 1960 was memorable for another, more important reason. On October 22, 1960, Jerry married the love of his life, Judith “Judy”, at St. David Catholic Church in Detroit.

Together, Jerry and Judy began building the life they had always dreamed of. They started out in Detroit before moving to Warren in 1963, where they raised their family, made lifelong memories, and created a home filled with love. Their faith was one of the most important part of their lives, and they became longtime parishioners of St. Louise de Marillac Catholic Church, remaining devoted to their church community throughout the years.

Jerry retired from General Motors in May of 1991 after 31 years of dedicated service. But retirement did not come easily to a man who liked to stay busy. He took a job at Sears in the tool department, and it wasn’t because he needed to work, but because he enjoyed it. It gave him something to do, people to talk to, and another place where his knowledge and personality could shine.

There was never a shortage of things Jerry enjoyed.

He loved golf, fishing, bowling, and baseball. If he wasn’t playing a sport, there was a good chance that he was watching one on television. He especially loved family game nights and became known throughout the family as the euchre champ. Some may have called him competitive, but those who knew Jerry best would probably say he was simply very good at whatever he decided to do.

Jerry also had a fascination with aviation and loved flying. He enjoyed being outdoors and spent time landscaping and maintaining the best lawn on James Drive along with gardening. He and Judy loved to travel, and some of their greatest memories came from visiting their children and grandchildren in Seattle, Charleston, California, Arizona, and Cape Cod. Wherever life took them, along with yearly family vacations in Daytona, Jerry was happiest when he was with his family.

Family was, without question, the greatest joy of Jerry’s life.

He was the kind of husband, father, grandfather, and friend who could always be counted on. He was loving, selfless, honest, loyal, compassionate and supportive. He gave of himself freely and loved his family in the quiet, steady way that never needed to be announced. His presence was a comfort, his humor brought laughter, and his love created memories that his family will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

His faith carried him through life’s challenges and gave him hope and strength throughout his final days. Jerry fought hard to stay here with his earthly family. He wasn’t ready to leave the people he loved, and they weren’t ready to say goodbye to him. But in the end, God called him home.

Now, Jerry is at peace with his Heavenly Father, free from pain and suffering. His family finds comfort knowing that the man they loved so deeply is no longer struggling but has gone home to the eternal family that awaited him.

While their hearts are broken by his absence, they will continue to find him in the memories he left behind in a family euchre game, on the golf course, watching the Tigers, cutting grass, telling a story, enjoying a Boston Cooler or simply sitting beside the people he loved.

His life was long, his love was deep, and his legacy is the family he leaves behind.

Jerry will be missed more than words can express, but he will never be forgotten.

He was the beloved husband of Judith “Judy” Peterson. Loving father of Pamela (Kenny) Brereton, Mary (David Orlando) Peterson, Jeffrey (Jill) Peterson, and Scott (Mary) Peterson. Devoted grandfather of Amber (David) Demick, Emily Peterson, Megan (Jeremy) Dinda, Jenna Peterson, Gunar Peterson, Joey Peterson, and Abbey Peterson. Proud great-grandfather of Leo and Colby Demick. Dear brother-in-law of Patricia (the late Ronald) Selleke and the late James (the late Sylvia) Kolley. He is also survived by his three Godchildren: John Selleke, Julie Ross-Kline, and Leslie Jo (Grabowski) Leaym. Survived by loving families The Sellekes, The Kolleys, cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Visitation for Jerry will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 3:00–8:00 p.m., with a Prayer and Eulogy Service at 7:00 p.m., at D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12½ Mile Road), Warren.

His Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 12:00 noon at St. Louise de Marillac Catholic Church, 2500 12 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48092.

A private burial will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Rainbow Connection of Michigan, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Wounded Warrior Project.

Please share memories of Jerry at his guest book below.