Harry Peterson

Harry Peterson ObituaryIn Loving Memory of Harry Peterson
Harry Peterson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law, father-in-law, teacher, coach, and Korean War veteran, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025, at the age of 90.
Born on October 11, 1934, in Crystal Falls, Michigan, Harry dedicated his life to service. First to his country and later to his community. A proud US Army veteran, he served honorably in the Korean War, demonstrating courage and dedication that remained with him throughout his life. Son of Hadar and Agnes (Ronbeck) Peterson, Harry graduated from Crystal Falls-Forest Park High School in 1952. Harry had three sisters (Elaine, Natalie, and Dolores) and two brothers (Robert and Donald).
Following his military service, Harry pursued his passion for education and sports, earning a Bachelor's of Science Degree and Master's Degree in Education from Northern Michigan University. In 1961, he started his stellar varsity coaching and teaching career in Rogers City, Michigan. After five years in Rogers City, Harry spent 20 years as Luther L. Wright High School's head basketball coach in Ironwood, Michigan.
Harry was married to Mary Jane Wicklund on July 2, 1960, in Crystal Falls. They had two sons, Mark Peterson of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Brad Peterson preceded in death 2010; and one daughter Lisa (James) Trombi of Eagle River, Alaska; who blessed them with four grandchildren, Alex Peterson of St. Paul, Samantha (Daishawn) Peterson of St. Paul, Cassie (Anakwad) Trombi of Eagle River, and Chase Trombi of Eagle River; and a great-grandchild, Rowen Daniel Montgomery-Elm of Eagle River.
As a coach, Harry compiled a combined record of 308 wins and 166 losses as a head basketball coach over a 24-year period. His Ironwood Red Devil Boys' teams captured many conference titles, including five District Tournament Titles, one Regional Tournament Title, one Great Northern Conference Title, two Superior Six Conference Titles, and one Michigan-Wisconsin Conference Title. Coach Peterson was named the Michigan-Wisconsin Conference Coach of the Year in 1971 and Class B Coach of the Year in 1975 and 1976. As a coach and teacher at Luther L. Wright High School, he not only shaped skilled athletes and students but also mentored them in leadership, teamwork, and perseverance. Lessons that extended far beyond the court and classroom.
Harry retired as Ironwood's head coach in 1986 and retired from teaching in 1997. During Harry's retirement years he spent time with his family and grandchildren in Ironwood, near his son Mark, and visiting his daughter Lisa and son-in-law Jim annually in Alaska. Harry was residing in Alaska at the time of his death.
Off the court and outside the classroom, Harry was a devoted family man who cherished time with his loved ones. Whether cheering on his children and grandchildren, sharing stories of his past, watching sports, or enjoying the outdoors, he brought warmth and wisdom to all who knew him. Harry's life touched many people in the form of family, neighbors, former students, athletes, colleagues, other veterans and friends whose lives he profoundly impacted.
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home, Crystal Falls, Mich. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday with Pastor D J Rasner officiating at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Hematite Cemetery, Amasa, Mich., immediately following the services.
After the burial service, everyone is invited to a luncheon at United Lutheran Church for family and friends to gather and share memories. United Lutheran holds a special place in our hearts as it is where Harry and Mary Jane exchanged their wedding vows in 1960.
Harry leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, mentorship, and love. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those he knew and the lives he touched.
Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Harry's family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com
The family has chosen Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Crystal Falls, Mich., to honor Harry's legacy of life.
In Loving Memory of Harry Peterson
Harry Peterson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law, father-in-law, teacher, coach, and Korean War veteran, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025, at the age of 90.
Born on October 11, 1934, in Crystal Falls, Michigan, Harry dedicated his life to serv