Lana Peterson
Lana Peterson
MANISTIQUE — Lana Peterson, 69, was called home to be with Our Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 6, 2022, after a short, courageous battle with cancer. She was born on March 7, 1953, in Iron Mountain, Mich., the daughter of Beverly and Sidney Lucas. She was raised on the family farm in Garden, Mich. with her seven siblings whom she helped raise while working on the farm.
She graduated from Big Bay de Noc School, Cooks, Michigan in 1971 where she met the love of her life Ben Peterson. Lana also earned an executive secretary degree from Patricia Stevens Finishing School, Milwaukee, Wis. in 1972. Ben and Lana married on April 2, 1972, and made their home in Fairport, Mich. and have spent the past 36 winters in Zihuatanejo, Mexico. They were blessed with three beautiful children, one with special needs.
Lana was a volunteer EMT on the Fairbanks Township Ambulance. In 1985 Ben and Lana built “Ghosttown Gifts and Supplies” where she became well known for her delicious baked goods and serving hand dipped ice cream for over 10 years. After a short time off, Lana managed the restaurant and bar at Garden Golf in Garden, Mich. for her brother John Lucas, and later managed his winery in Cooks, Mich. In between all this, Lana earned an accounting degree from Bay College in Escanaba, Mich. with high honors. Throughout the years Lana partnered with her sister-in-law Gloria Peterson in a caviar business at Peterson Brothers Fisheries. She made many friends during this time, and really enjoyed her time with them. She was a devoted Christian and member of the St. John’s Catholic Church, taking part in many retreats and activities supporting the church. She loved spending time with her grandchildren as well as homeschooling them.
Lana devoted many years of her life to helping others, beginning with her handicap daughter. She sacrificed many hours and days of her life caring for her daughter, yet always had time to do extra for her family and others. She loved baking her famous Swedish rye bread and spreading it through the community! She loved to smile and share her joy of life with others. Her faith in God has never wavered and she has taught her family well!
She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Ben Peterson of Fairport, Mich.; daughter, Melinda Peterson of New Lisbon, Wis.; son, Lucas (Jesi) Peterson of Fairport, Mich.; grandchildren, Tia Peterson, Marissa (Marshal) Toelle, Cole (Erica) Peterson, Luke Peterson, Carson Peterson, Lucas JR Peterson, Mateo Peterson, Isaac Peterson; great-grandchildren, Brogan and Kendall Toelle; brothers, Rod (Sue) Lucas, Scott (Laura) Lucas, John (Gloria) Lucas; sisters, Linda (Marshall) Patz, Lori (Dave) Gembel, Lisa (John) Cyrowski, Kristin (Kevin) Peterson; in-laws, Joel (Sandy) Peterson, Shirley (Jim) LaVallee, Arleen Peterson, Alice (Ben) Carley, Annette (Brad) Sheffler; Numerous Nieces and Nephews; extended family in Zihuatanejo, Mexico.
She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Martha Jean; her parents, Sidney and Beverly Lucas; nephew/godson, Ethan Cyrowski; in-laws, Hector and Bertha Peterson, Rodney Gierke, Gloria Peterson.
Visitation will be held at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 13, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Garden, Mich. with a Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. with Rev. Fr. Ben Paris officiating. Burial will follow at New Garden Cemetery, Garden, Mich.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lana’s name may be sent to the Library Fund at Big Bay de Noc School. Fausett Family Funeral Homes of Manistique and Garden is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be posted on their website.