Peggy Jean Van Petten

Peggy Jean Van Petten

Peggy Petten Obituary

Published by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Aug. 29, 2008.
DALLAS — Peggy Van Petten, 64, was called home by the Lord on Sunday, Aug. 24.

She was born on Jan. 31, 1944, in Hamtramck.

Peggy believed in family first. She dearly loved her son Jason (Kelly) and absolutely adored her grandchildren Eddie and Sara.

Due to hardships faced by her family while growing up, she gained an overwhelming empathy for the downtrodden and oppressed. She had walked in those shoes. Her career was in the field of special education.

She was a graduate of Dominican High School and Wayne State University with honors. She taught school in Detroit, Atlanta, Columbia, S.C., and Dallas.

After teaching for a short time in Dallas, she was offered a full scholarship to obtain her master's degree if she would become a special education diagnostician. She received her master's degree, with honors, from East Texas State University while working full time and caring for a young boy.

Upon gaining experience as a diagnostician, she was assigned to duty at three hospitals used by the school district for extra-special-needs children: Timber Lawn, Children's Medical Center and U T Southwest Medical Center.

Upon distinguishing herself in prior assignments, she was appointed special education consultant and materials specialist for 42 elementary schools.

She was president of the North Texas Diagnostician Association for two years, a working member of the Dallas Elks Ladies and a Mensa member. She was a member of Grace Community Church in Plano and attended Family of Faith Lutheran Church of Traverse City during the summer.

She and her husband, Bill, have been married 20 years. After retirement, they began spending summertime at their Silver Lake cottage.

The celebration of Peggy's life will be on Saturday, Aug. 30, at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Pastor Jim Vargo will officiate. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Grawn.

She will be dearly missed by her family and many friends.

Memorial donations can be directed, in Peggy's name, to the American Cancer Society.

The family is being served by the Reynolds-Johnkoff Funeral Home, Traverse City.

This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Peggy Petten's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 10, 2008

Thomas, Denise & Kristen O'Leary posted to the memorial.

September 9, 2008

Rick & Holly Elliott posted to the memorial.

September 9, 2008

Brian and Janine Smale posted to the memorial.

Thomas, Denise & Kristen O'Leary

September 10, 2008

Bill,

We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Peggy. She was a beautiful, caring Christian! She will be dearly missed. She is at peace now with the Lord.

God bless you and keep you in His care. Please call us if you need anything at all. Let's stay in touch.

Love,

Rick & Holly Elliott

September 9, 2008

Bill,
Rick and I are so sorry that we lost Peggy. She was a delightful woman who brightened our day and we will miss her. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.

May the Holy Spirit surround you during this time of grief and may you find comfort in knowing that Peggy is sitting at the Savior's feet right now and you will see her again...

Brian and Janine Smale

September 9, 2008

Bill --
We are sorry for your loss. Peggy was such a blessing and will be missed dearly. May God provide you comfort until you are reunited. We love you both.

Linda Longmire

September 9, 2008

Bill,
I am so sorry to hear the news of Peggy's death. I've tried calling, but so far have been unsuccessful in reaching you. The sadness you feel never goes away, but it does get easier. Take care. Linda Longmire

Barbara Brakel

September 2, 2008

Bill,
Sorry for your loss.
Barbara and Linda

fred murphy

August 30, 2008

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

Grace and Dale Hanson

August 29, 2008

Bill, We are so sorry for your loss. You took good care of Peggy, she was very blessed to have you. I pray the Lord will comfort you in the days to come. We will miss her. Love Ya, Grace and Dale

Bob Klepetka

August 29, 2008

Bill: Just wanted to add our condolences. When you get back, please feel free to stop by. It's always real special to talk "old times". Peggy was so nice to my Mom and sister when they met up in TC. She also bought a huge amount of cookies from Gracie, which we really appreciated. Take Care and we'll look to see you soon. Regards, Bob & Jodie Klepetka

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home

305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684

Make a Donation
in Peggy Petten's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

How to support Peggy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Peggy Petten's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored

Sign Peggy Petten's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 10, 2008

Thomas, Denise & Kristen O'Leary posted to the memorial.

September 9, 2008

Rick & Holly Elliott posted to the memorial.

September 9, 2008

Brian and Janine Smale posted to the memorial.