Richard Allen Peterman

Richard Allen Peterman, age 59, of Grand Rapids, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, April 6, 2006. He was born to John "Howard" Peterman and Gertrude "Lucille" Peterman on October 31, 1946. Rich graduated from Grandville High School in 1964. He enlisted in the Army and proudly served his country in Vietnam from 1964-1967. During his Tour of Duty he was attached to the Green Berets and earned the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Expert Rifle M-14, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Expert M-79 Grenade Launcher. After his service to his country ended, he began working at Berger Chevrolet. Rich met Judy Lewis in the fall of 1967 and they were married on March 2, 1968. Following his marriage to Judy, he worked at Mill Steel as a faithful employee with 33 years of service. He had most recently been employed at Forest Hills Public Schools. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing and baseball. Rich was preceded in death by his mother, Lucille in 1983 and father, Howard in 2004; nephews, Steven R. Peterman, Jason Lewis; and mother-in-law, Geraldine Lewis. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 38 years, Judy; children and grandchildren, Rich Peterman (Ben); Deanna Peterman and Dan Butterworth (James, Todd and Ashley), Amy Peterman (Jordan and Aaliyah); daughter-in-law, Jennifer Peterman; brothers, Robert and Betty Peterman, John William Peterman, Arthur James and Brenda Peterman; three sisters-in-law; five brothers-in-law; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins; as well as many co-workers and friends. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville), 4145 Chicago Dr., Grandville with Rev. Gordon Negen officiating. Interment Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the American Heart Association or the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. Relatives and friends may meet his family at the funeral home on Sunday from 7 to 9:00 p.m. and on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9:00 p.m. Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com. Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf