Eileen F. Peterson, 96, formerly of Cedar River, MI, passed away with a tear in her eye and a smile on her face, as if torn between Heaven and Earth, Eileen quietly slipped away. Heaven won, and she left to be with her Savior and Lord Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018. Eileen Florence Johnson Peterson was born Aug. 30, 1921, to Warner Ferdinand and (Lydia) Florence (Anderson-Lovine) Johnson in Turlock, Calif.
Eileen grew up a dairyman’s daughter and fruit farmer in the San Joaquin Valley. Her grandparents, on both sides of her family, immigrated from Sweden in the 1870s. Beginning at age six, the Lord (and her mother’s faithful, “Eileen, it’s time to practice your piano lesson”) prepared her for a life of service as pianist and organist for over 70 years. She began playing for churches at the age of 13 and went on to study music at Wheaton College. She was chosen as “class pianist” and frequently played the pipe organ at daily Wheaton Chapel. While at Wheaton, she also served as organist at “The Tab” (The Tabernacle) where Billy Graham was student pastor. Eileen writes in her book, “Even as a young man Billy’s sermons were very direct, and the message remained the same throughout his ministry.”
Eileen met her husband, Eugene L. Peterson, while serving as pPesident of the Wheaton College Rifle Club. When Gene asked, “What is this, a women’s lounge?” Eileen responded with, “All the men are off to war.” Appreciating her spunk, Gene walked her home that evening, and the second time he saw her, Gene declared, “You’re going to marry me!” On Oct. 30, 1942, Gene graduated from flight school, and received his wings, commission and his bride. Eileen and Gene were married at Luke Field in Phoenix, AZ and assigned to a Photo Mapping Squadron at Peterson Field in Colorado Springs, CO.
Later, flying over North Africa, Gene declared, “I feel like a father today.” Four days later, he learned that he, indeed, became a father on May 6, 1944, when daughter Frances (Francie/Fran) was born. Like clockwork, about every two years thereafter, more children came. Mary Jane, William (Bill), John, Linda (Lin), Bruce, and Barbara (Barbie/ Barb). A “quiver full.”
Eileen managed the household and “grew up their kids” with aplomb and much grace. The family lived across the street from the church, and Eileen was there to play the piano and organ every time the church doors swung open. Lots of trauma and sorrows, but mostly joys and a strong life of commitment to the Lord characterized their home.
As empty nesters, their travels took them to Japan, where Gene’s brother was a missionary; China; Europe; Kenya, especially among the Massai where daughter, Mary Jane, served as a missionary with her family; Tanzania; African Safaris; Chilé, the home of two exchange students who had lived with them; and the Holy Land, where Fran’s husband, Ed, served as a Fulbright Scholar for a year.
Eileen wrote her story entitled, “Out of the West, Fulfilled and Blessed.” She loved the verse, John 10:10, “I am come that you might have life and have it to the full.” She believed those words described her life. And she was always grateful. To God Be the Glory!
Eileen is survived by her children:
Fran (Ed) Lambeth of Columbia MO;
Bill (Cindi) Peterson of Piney Flats, TN;
Linda "Lin" Peterson of Cedar River, MI;
Bruce (Becky) Peterson of Rockville, Indiana;
and Barb (Jim) Pipkorn of Cedarburg, WI;
16 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren;
and her brother’s children: Terry (Teri) Johnson and Ann Palmquist.
She was preceded in death by her son, John (August 1949); daughter, Mary Jane (April 1, 2001); husband, Gene (Jan 19, 2004); her brother, Myron Johnson; and her parents, Warner and Florence Johnson.
Visitation for Eileen will be held Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Eileen’s home church The Carney Evangelical Free Church beginning at 2 p.m. until time of the funeral service at 4 p.m., with Pastor Kit Bogan officiating.
Burial will be in the Carney Free Church Cemetery
© Anderson-Diehm Funeral Home notice.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Eileen grew up a dairyman’s daughter and fruit farmer in the San Joaquin Valley. Her grandparents, on both sides of her family, immigrated from Sweden in the 1870s. Beginning at age six, the Lord (and her mother’s faithful, “Eileen, it’s time to practice your piano lesson”) prepared her for a life of service as pianist and organist for over 70 years. She began playing for churches at the age of 13 and went on to study music at Wheaton College. She was chosen as “class pianist” and frequently played the pipe organ at daily Wheaton Chapel. While at Wheaton, she also served as organist at “The Tab” (The Tabernacle) where Billy Graham was student pastor. Eileen writes in her book, “Even as a young man Billy’s sermons were very direct, and the message remained the same throughout his ministry.”
Eileen met her husband, Eugene L. Peterson, while serving as pPesident of the Wheaton College Rifle Club. When Gene asked, “What is this, a women’s lounge?” Eileen responded with, “All the men are off to war.” Appreciating her spunk, Gene walked her home that evening, and the second time he saw her, Gene declared, “You’re going to marry me!” On Oct. 30, 1942, Gene graduated from flight school, and received his wings, commission and his bride. Eileen and Gene were married at Luke Field in Phoenix, AZ and assigned to a Photo Mapping Squadron at Peterson Field in Colorado Springs, CO.
Later, flying over North Africa, Gene declared, “I feel like a father today.” Four days later, he learned that he, indeed, became a father on May 6, 1944, when daughter Frances (Francie/Fran) was born. Like clockwork, about every two years thereafter, more children came. Mary Jane, William (Bill), John, Linda (Lin), Bruce, and Barbara (Barbie/ Barb). A “quiver full.”
Eileen managed the household and “grew up their kids” with aplomb and much grace. The family lived across the street from the church, and Eileen was there to play the piano and organ every time the church doors swung open. Lots of trauma and sorrows, but mostly joys and a strong life of commitment to the Lord characterized their home.
As empty nesters, their travels took them to Japan, where Gene’s brother was a missionary; China; Europe; Kenya, especially among the Massai where daughter, Mary Jane, served as a missionary with her family; Tanzania; African Safaris; Chilé, the home of two exchange students who had lived with them; and the Holy Land, where Fran’s husband, Ed, served as a Fulbright Scholar for a year.
Eileen wrote her story entitled, “Out of the West, Fulfilled and Blessed.” She loved the verse, John 10:10, “I am come that you might have life and have it to the full.” She believed those words described her life. And she was always grateful. To God Be the Glory!
Eileen is survived by her children:
Fran (Ed) Lambeth of Columbia MO;
Bill (Cindi) Peterson of Piney Flats, TN;
Linda "Lin" Peterson of Cedar River, MI;
Bruce (Becky) Peterson of Rockville, Indiana;
and Barb (Jim) Pipkorn of Cedarburg, WI;
16 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren;
and her brother’s children: Terry (Teri) Johnson and Ann Palmquist.
She was preceded in death by her son, John (August 1949); daughter, Mary Jane (April 1, 2001); husband, Gene (Jan 19, 2004); her brother, Myron Johnson; and her parents, Warner and Florence Johnson.
Visitation for Eileen will be held Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Eileen’s home church The Carney Evangelical Free Church beginning at 2 p.m. until time of the funeral service at 4 p.m., with Pastor Kit Bogan officiating.
Burial will be in the Carney Free Church Cemetery
© Anderson-Diehm Funeral Home notice.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Eileen F. Peterson, 96, formerly of Cedar River, MI, passed away with a tear in her eye and a smile on her face, as if torn between Heaven and Earth, Eileen quietly slipped away. Heaven won, and she left to be with her Savior and Lord Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018. Eileen Florence Johnson Peterson was born Aug. 30, 1921, to Warner Ferdinand and (Lydia) Florence (Anderson-Lovine) Johnson in Turlock, Calif.
Eileen grew up a dairyman’s daughter and fruit farmer in the San Joaquin Valley. Her grandparents, on both sides of her family, immigrated from Sweden in the 1870s. Beginning at age six, the Lord (and her mother’s faithful, “Eileen, it’s time to practice your piano lesson”) prepared her for a life of service as pianist and organist for over 70 years. She began playing for churches at the age of 13 and went on to study music at Wheaton College. She was chosen as “class pianist” and frequently played the pipe organ at daily Wheaton Chapel. While at Wheaton, she also served as organist at “The Tab” (The Tabernacle) where Billy Graham was student pastor. Eileen writes in her book, “Even as a young man Billy’s sermons were very direct, and the message remained the same throughout his ministry.”
Eileen met her husband, Eugene L. Peterson, while serving as pPesident of the Wheaton College Rifle Club. When Gene asked, “What is this, a women’s lounge?” Eileen responded with, “All the men are off to war.” Appreciating her spunk, Gene walked her home that evening, and the second time he saw her, Gene declared, “You’re going to marry me!” On Oct. 30, 1942, Gene graduated from flight school, and received his wings, commission and his bride. Eileen and Gene were married at Luke Field in Phoenix, AZ and assigned to a Photo Mapping Squadron at Peterson Field in Colorado Springs, CO.
Later, flying over North Africa, Gene declared, “I feel like a father today.” Four days later, he learned that he, indeed, became a father on May 6, 1944, when daughter Frances (Francie/Fran) was born. Like clockwork, about every two years thereafter, more children came. Mary Jane, William (Bill), John, Linda (Lin), Bruce, and Barbara (Barbie/ Barb). A “quiver full.”
Eileen managed the household and “grew up their kids” with aplomb and much grace. The family lived across the street from the church, and Eileen was there to play the piano and organ every time the church doors swung open. Lots of trauma and sorrows, but mostly joys and a strong life of commitment to the Lord characterized their home.
As empty nesters, their travels took them to Japan, where Gene’s brother was a missionary; China; Europe; Kenya, especially among the Massai where daughter, Mary Jane, served as a missionary with her family; Tanzania; African Safaris; Chilé, the home of two exchange students who had lived with them; and the Holy Land, where Fran’s husband, Ed, served as a Fulbright Scholar for a year.
Eileen wrote her story entitled, “Out of the West, Fulfilled and Blessed.” She loved the verse, John 10:10, “I am come that you might have life and have it to the full.” She believed those words described her life. And she was always grateful. To God Be the Glory!
Eileen is survived by her children:
Fran (Ed) Lambeth of Columbia MO;
Bill (Cindi) Peterson of Piney Flats, TN;
Linda "Lin" Peterson of Cedar River, MI;
Bruce (Becky) Peterson of Rockville, Indiana;
and Barb (Jim) Pipkorn of Cedarburg, WI;
16 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren;
and her brother’s children: Terry (Teri) Johnson and Ann Palmquist.
She was preceded in death by her son, John (August 1949); daughter, Mary Jane (April 1, 2001); husband, Gene (Jan 19, 2004); her brother, Myron Johnson; and her parents, Warner and Florence Johnson.
Visitation for Eileen will be held Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Eileen’s home church The Carney Evangelical Free Church beginning at 2 p.m. until time of the funeral service at 4 p.m., with Pastor Kit Bogan officiating.
Burial will be in the Carney Free Church Cemetery
© Anderson-Diehm Funeral Home notice.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Eileen grew up a dairyman’s daughter and fruit farmer in the San Joaquin Valley. Her grandparents, on both sides of her family, immigrated from Sweden in the 1870s. Beginning at age six, the Lord (and her mother’s faithful, “Eileen, it’s time to practice your piano lesson”) prepared her for a life of service as pianist and organist for over 70 years. She began playing for churches at the age of 13 and went on to study music at Wheaton College. She was chosen as “class pianist” and frequently played the pipe organ at daily Wheaton Chapel. While at Wheaton, she also served as organist at “The Tab” (The Tabernacle) where Billy Graham was student pastor. Eileen writes in her book, “Even as a young man Billy’s sermons were very direct, and the message remained the same throughout his ministry.”
Eileen met her husband, Eugene L. Peterson, while serving as pPesident of the Wheaton College Rifle Club. When Gene asked, “What is this, a women’s lounge?” Eileen responded with, “All the men are off to war.” Appreciating her spunk, Gene walked her home that evening, and the second time he saw her, Gene declared, “You’re going to marry me!” On Oct. 30, 1942, Gene graduated from flight school, and received his wings, commission and his bride. Eileen and Gene were married at Luke Field in Phoenix, AZ and assigned to a Photo Mapping Squadron at Peterson Field in Colorado Springs, CO.
Later, flying over North Africa, Gene declared, “I feel like a father today.” Four days later, he learned that he, indeed, became a father on May 6, 1944, when daughter Frances (Francie/Fran) was born. Like clockwork, about every two years thereafter, more children came. Mary Jane, William (Bill), John, Linda (Lin), Bruce, and Barbara (Barbie/ Barb). A “quiver full.”
Eileen managed the household and “grew up their kids” with aplomb and much grace. The family lived across the street from the church, and Eileen was there to play the piano and organ every time the church doors swung open. Lots of trauma and sorrows, but mostly joys and a strong life of commitment to the Lord characterized their home.
As empty nesters, their travels took them to Japan, where Gene’s brother was a missionary; China; Europe; Kenya, especially among the Massai where daughter, Mary Jane, served as a missionary with her family; Tanzania; African Safaris; Chilé, the home of two exchange students who had lived with them; and the Holy Land, where Fran’s husband, Ed, served as a Fulbright Scholar for a year.
Eileen wrote her story entitled, “Out of the West, Fulfilled and Blessed.” She loved the verse, John 10:10, “I am come that you might have life and have it to the full.” She believed those words described her life. And she was always grateful. To God Be the Glory!
Eileen is survived by her children:
Fran (Ed) Lambeth of Columbia MO;
Bill (Cindi) Peterson of Piney Flats, TN;
Linda "Lin" Peterson of Cedar River, MI;
Bruce (Becky) Peterson of Rockville, Indiana;
and Barb (Jim) Pipkorn of Cedarburg, WI;
16 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren;
and her brother’s children: Terry (Teri) Johnson and Ann Palmquist.
She was preceded in death by her son, John (August 1949); daughter, Mary Jane (April 1, 2001); husband, Gene (Jan 19, 2004); her brother, Myron Johnson; and her parents, Warner and Florence Johnson.
Visitation for Eileen will be held Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Eileen’s home church The Carney Evangelical Free Church beginning at 2 p.m. until time of the funeral service at 4 p.m., with Pastor Kit Bogan officiating.
Burial will be in the Carney Free Church Cemetery
© Anderson-Diehm Funeral Home notice.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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