Joana May Peterson

Joana (Jo) May Peterson passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025 at the age of 93. Born on January 1, 1932, she was a shining example of unconditional love and extraordinary kindness. Her warmth touched everyone she met, and her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.

Jo was born in Vicksburg, MI, the second of four children of Ed and Cherrie Gearhart. She graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1950 and married her high school sweetheart, Alan (‘Pete’) Peterson in 1952. Pete and Jo raised their family in southwest Michigan. In 1970, they purchased a farm in Vicksburg that has been in the family ever since. Over the 15 years they spent raising pigs, Jo worked alongside Pete on the farm and amassed the largest collection of pig decor anyone could imagine. For over 25 years, Pete and Jo hosted an annual pig roast for family and friends, a tradition which all who attended remember fondly.

Jo also worked as a receptionist for the Upjohn Company before retiring with Pete to enjoy life on Fisher Lake. In their retirement, Pete and Jo enjoyed traveling with friends, attending sporting events, plays and band concerts to support their grandchildren, and spending time with their family.

A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Jo found the greatest joy in her family. She was a source of unwavering support and a constant presence in the lives of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jo's hands were rarely still - her home was always meticulously decorated for the current season or upcoming holiday and all who visited were welcomed with a smile, a warm hug, and probably a meal. She was an amazing cook, whose potato salad and sheet pan brownies were legendary. Birthdays, holidays, and regular Sundays were marked by the aromas of her cooking and the sounds of conversation and laughter of her husband, children and grandchildren. More than anything, Jo will be remembered for her kindness. Her gentle spirit, boundless empathy, and willingness to help others defined her character. She approached the world with grace and generosity that left a lasting impact on everyone who crossed her path.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Cherrie Gearhart, her husband Pete, her sister Sandy Zimmerman and brother John Gearhart. She is survived by her sister, Gloria Butler of Portage, her children, Cathy Peterson of Fishers IN; Sherry Peterson of Scotts; and Steve (Kathy) Peterson of Vicksburg, her grandchildren, Sara Carvell of Saint Paul MN, Tiffany (Josh) Opper of Fishers IN, Nicholas (Jordin) Peterson of Vicksburg and Jared (Dori) Peterson of Schoolcraft; two great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Friends and family will gather on Tuesday, October 7 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at American Legion Post 36 (1920 East Kilgore Rd; Portage MI) to celebrate Jo’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jo's honor to South County Community Services or Centrica Care Navigators (formerly Hospice of Southwest Michigan).