Gordon E. Peterek

1935 - 2024

Gordon Eugene Peterek, a beloved husband, father and a beacon of strength and determination to all who knew him, passed away on Sept. 21, 2024. He was born on a crisp autumn day in Michigan City, Ind., on Oct. 25, 1935, to the late Theodore and Helen Peterek.

Gordon graduated from New Troy High School in 1954, where he was very active in sports and various clubs. He later joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Schweinfurt, Germany, where he met and married Eleonore Zink. Together, they raised three children: Heidi (Guy) Troxell, Jeanette (Howard) Cordell and Gordon (Kim) Peterek Jr. He leaves behind his grandchildren: Phillip, Angelique, Brandon, Dylan, Chad, Brian, Bradley, and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert Peterek.

His hobbies were fishing, hunting, playing the lottery, collecting and fixing things. He was a lifelong member of the Harbert Community Church, which his mother helped in founding. He enjoyed being active in the community and helped to create Chikaming Township Ambulance and was one of its first volunteers. He belonged to the Jaycee's, NRA, the senior center, and the New Troy American Legion. Nothing brought him more joy than sitting together and chatting with friends and family with a glass of wine in his hand.

A celebration of life will be held by the family at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, at Harbert Community Church, 6444 Harbert Road, Sawyer, MI 49125. Memorial donations may be made in Gordon's memory to Harbert Community Church.

In memory of Gordon Peterek, we invite you to share your cherished memories, stories and photos on the memorial page, celebrating a life that touched many and left a legacy of love, hard work and dedication. As we remember Gordon, let us not dwell on his loss but celebrate his life and the many ways he enriched ours. He may be gone from our sight, but he will forever remain in our hearts.