Peter James Meldrum Sr.

Peter James Meldrum, 77 of Algonac, Michigan passed away peacefully on Tuesday October 17th, 2023 surrounded by several members of his family. Known as Peter, Grandpa, Papa, "GP" and Big Pete, he was a beloved Father, Grandfather, Great-grandfather, Son, Brother, and friend to many. Peter was born in 1946 and was one of 11 children of Karl and Frances Meldrum. In 1963 he married the love of his life Darlene at St. Catherine Church in Algonac. "Pete and Dar" became a fixture for 60 years and had 6 children: Shelly, Marie, Beth, JoJo, Pete, and Dar. Peter once said it started with a "Pete and Dar" and his child making ended with a "Pete and Dar."
Peter worked for Chrysler Corporation for 35 years and was extremely proud of the accomplishments and breakthrough the company had while he was there including the release of the new minivan and Ram Trucks. Peter loved farming, hunting, fishing, kayaking, and learning. Peter went back to school during and after his life at Chrysler and achieved advanced educational degrees, taught classes, and also became a Chaplain visiting shut-ins and working shifts at local hospitals and medical centers to give support to those who needed it. Peter was someone that always wanted to learn something new, talk to someone new (oh he loved to talk to someone, anyone!), and grow mentally and spiritually.
But one thing more than anything else in his life was priority for Peter. He loved family and every moment with them. Whether it was long and memorable family road trips in a large van (one big enough to handle 8 people during those pre-minivan times) or informal gatherings at his house or a house of one of his children that is what always kept Peter going. He kept his family close and every child, in law, grandchild, and now great child always looked forward to spending time with him. Everyone in Peter's family benefited from his advice, insight, and most of all dedicated love to them. He always had a genuine interest in anything any family member was into and if he didn't know much about it, he would study it voraciously to become as knowledgeable as possible. His love for his family and his faith were drivers for him and something that will never be forgotten by those he touched.
Pete is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Darlene, children: Michelle (John) Przeslawski, Marie (Howard) Heyl, Beth (Max) Perilstein, Joann (Matt) Byerly, Peter Jr. (Tiffany) Meldrum, and Darlene (Steve) Saddler, grandchildren:Brenna Przeslawski, Scott Przeslawski, Jonathan Heyl, Kara (Griffen) Lictawa, Natalie Perilstein, Zachary Perilstein, Kourtney (Cardell) Young), Shelby (Kyle) Willey, Evelyn Meldrum, Carson Meldrum, Estee Dale. Rorie Dale, Maddy (Warren) Delor, Emma Saddler, and Evan Saddler.
great grandchildren: Kalli Young, Kyle Willey Jr., and Allison Willey, siblings: Mike (Fran) Meldrum, Mary (David) Gooden, Tony (Debbie) Meldrum, Joan Meldrum, Carla (Chuck) Bayly, and Mark Meldrum, and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, classmates, students, doctors, nurses, and many more. He was preceded in death by: Parents: Karl and Frances Meldrum, brothers: Paul, William, and John Meldrum, sister: Theresa Werner, and grandson: Andrew Przeslawski.
A celebration of life will be held from 1:00 to 6:00 PM, with a memorial service at 2:00 PM, Sunday October 22, 2023, at Pete and Tiffany Meldrum's residence-7076 Markel Rd, Cottrellville Twp., MI 48039. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Childrens Hospital of Michigan-Detroit, MI, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital-501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105, or to the Family Wishes. Arrangements by the Young Gilbert Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc. Algonac, MI.