Vernon Dale Petersen

Vernon D. Petersen, age 96 of Stanton went home to be with his Lord and Savior peacefully, Monday, January 9, 2023, surrounded by his family at the home of his son Joel (Lori) Petersen. Vernon had a special quiet love for the Lord and had a servant's heart for his family and those around him. He was quiet and worked behind the scenes, serving in many ways, but for those who knew him he was always willing to share a story, talk about old cars, tractor engines or tell delightful memories and facts about his Danish heritage. He was especially close to his Hansen cousins and shared a lot of good times with them even into their later years. He had a quiet but quick wit about him, and we will miss that special sense of humor.

Vernon was born October 8, 1926, in Sidney Township the oldest son of Einer and Ruth (Hansen) Petersen. Vernon was raised in the Sidney area and attended the Greenville School. Vernon left high school to help on the Poulsen family farm near Trufant. Vernon later completed his GED. Vernon served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953 in Korea. Vernon worked for the Montcalm County Road Commission for over 30 years retiring in 1987.

Vernon married Claribel Puffpaff on May 23, 1953. Vernon and Claribel were active, long-time members of Nevins Lake Church. Loving God and loving people was the most important thing to Vernon and Claribel and they demonstrated it by loving and caring for the many pastors, missionary families, and the members of their Nevins Lake church family in so many beautiful ways.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Claribel, of nearly 70 years. Their sons, Allen (Ruth) Petersen of Lakeview, Daniel Petersen of Stanton, Joel (Lori) Petersen of Stanton. Grandchildren, Andrew (Evi) Petersen of Lakeview, James (Elisheba) Petersen of Munising, John (Emily) Petersen of Hazard, Nebraska, Tatiana (Robert) Middaugh of Mecosta, Olga (Lucas) Decker of Remus, Dmitry (Mackenzie) Petersen of Durand, Marie Petersen (Chad Musser) of Oklahoma, Michelle Russell (Justin Brewer) of Sheridan, Mandy (Luke) Hanline of Stanton, Kendra (Tim) Peak of Martin, Ashley (Caleb) Robbins of Stanton, Ryan (Mandi) Petersen of Crystal. Vernon is survived by 35 precious great-grand Children with one expected to be born this week. Also surviving Vernon are sisters-in-laws Marie (Duane) Dunlap of Grand Haven, Carolyn Larson of Ravenna, Nebraska, Margaret Puffpaff of Carson City, Bonnie Puffpaff of Stanton. And many special nieces and nephews.

Vernon is preceded in death by his parents, Mother-in-law and Father-in-law, Alta and Carl Puffpaff, Claribel's infant sister Eloise, his brother and sister-in-law Eldon and Geraldine (Johnson) Petersen, Brothers -in-law Milan "Mike" Larson, Frederick Puffpaff, Carlton Puffpaff.

A celebration of Vernon's life will be held Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 11:00a.m. with a visitation one hour prior to the service at 10:00a.m. at the Nevins Lake Church, 837 S. Nevins Road, Stanton, MI with Pastor Allen Petersen, Pastor James Petersen and Pastor Dennis Ross officiating. Memorial contributions can be directed to Nevins Lake Church. A special thank you to Careline Hospice of Grand Rapids for their love and support of the family.

To leave an online condolence or share a favorite memory of Vernon, please go to www.SimpsonFamilyFuneralHomes.com.