Trending
RAPID RIVER -- Jerome "Jerry" Harvey Peterson, age 83, of Rapid River passed away on September 13, 2026 at UP Health Systems in Marquette.
Jerry was born April 5, 1943 to Harvey and Caroline (Schreiner) Peterson in Marshfield, WI. He attended and graduated from Columbus Catholic High School in Marshfield, WI.
Jerry was drafted into the United States Army and served in Vietnam as a Medic. He attended the University of Wisconsin and later transferred to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He earned and graduated with a Masters Degree in Fisheries/Biology.
He was employed with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, beginning his career in Newberry. He transferred to the Escanaba Department in September 1970 until his retirement.
Following retirement Jerry ran a consulting business in which he advised people on how to construct and stock private ponds. He also ran a firewood supply business.
Jerry lived and breathed fish. He was active in the Delta County fishing community for years even long after his retirement. In the 70's and 80's he was a driving force in restocking Little Bay de Noc, a member and former board member of Great Lakes Sports Fisherman and Wildlife Unlimited. Peterson Pond, a fish rearing lake/pond, where he did fish research and management was named after him due to his ongoing dedication to preserve the fish population. His work was heavily focused on rearing of Walleye and Pike within Delta County.
He volunteered for St. Vincent de Paul and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Delta County. Jerry became extremely involved in the mentoring program at Mid Peninsula Schools. He became not only a role model, but a friend to many students and their families.
Jerry served as a board member of the Parish Council at St. Charles Catholic Church in Rapid River and most recently was attending mass at All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone. He was a devoted Christian.
Jerry loved the outdoors, walking his 40 acres and spending time on the White Fish River. He loved his Summers in Park Falls, WI overlooking Schnur Lake from his cabin. He had a great love for Labrador Retrievers. He always had a dog by his side. He leaves behind his lab, Betsy.
He married Mari H. Cassidy on August 23, 1980 at St. Charles Church. He instantly became a father of 5. They celebrated 26 years of marriage before her passing.
Jerry was united in marriage to Marie Hendrickson on October 11, 2022. They shared almost 4 years of marriage and happiness together.
Preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mari; his son, Thomas Maggart; his son-in-law, Aleck Green; cousin, Jim Starling and his great-granddaughter, Avianna Jae Shelton.
In addition to his wife, Marie, Jerry is survived by his children: Dodie (Tod) Micheau, Nell Green, Frank (Karen) Maggart, and Micah Maggart; his grandchildren: Zachary, Hannah, and Cassidy Micheau; Marijo and Patrick (Jordan) Green; Angelena (Robbie) and Frankie Maggart; Eric and Shirley Bizeau; Tricia (Dan) Roberts; Trina (Nick) Picard; and Shelley Maggart Faulkner; brother-in-law: Paul Schram; and his great grandchildren: Ryker, McKinley, Allie, Addisyn, Zaylee, Daniel, Winston, Cecelia, Liam, Jacob, John Paul, Isabella and Cashton.
To his family he was The Man, The Myth, The Legend, but undoubtedly he will forever be Fish-Man.
Cherished friendships with the wonderful men of the Nehmur Camp for all their endless dedication and devotion to him and great friend Dave Tackman.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Mid Peninsula Scholarship Fund in Remembrance of Jerry Peterson.
Family will receive friends on Friday, October 2, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. A rosary will be led by St. Vincent de Paul at 10:30 AM and St. Vincent de Paul Vincentian prayers will conclude visitation at 12:30 PM at Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. A memorial mass will follow at 1:00 PM at the All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone with Rev. Fr. Romeo Cappella officiating with a luncheon to follow in the parish hall. Jerry will be laid to rest in the Rapid River Cemetery. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Peterson family. To offer an online message of sympathy please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.
