MARQUETTE, MI. - Joann Helene (Peterson) Caldwell, age 38, of Marquette, entered eternal life, unexpectedly, Thursday, July 19, 2012 while on vacation in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. She had eagerly anticipated attending Rock Fest in Cadott, Wisconsin, and was there with her husband when she passed.
Joann was born in Marquette on November 10, 1973, a daughter of Gordon and Roberta (Uren) Peterson and was a lifelong resident. A 1992 graduate of the Marquette Senior High School, she later received an Associate Degree in Business from Northern Michigan University. Her work experiences included employments with Casa Calabria, Econo Foods, Wal-Mart, Riverside Auto, and the Ojibwa Casino. Joann was a member and Past Worthy Matron of Presque Isle Chapter 403 Order of Eastern Star, Past President of the Cloverland District Association, and Past Honored Queen of Bethel 16 of Job's Daughters. She actively enjoyed her Masonic affiliations and willingly gave of her time and talent to Eastern Star projects such as helping with meals at the Masonic Temple and assisting with the children's Christmas party. She was also a member and past president of the Marquette Lions Club. In her leisure, Joann loved to spend time with family and friends, do craftwork with her son, Michael, and work on needlework and cross stitch projects. From her earliest days, she enjoyed spending time at the Peterson farm in Kiva, where activities ranged from time spent with grandma and grandpa, mom, dad, and sister, to large gatherings around good food and conversation. The farm held special fondness for her, and even today remains a family treasure.
Joann is survived by her husband, John Martin Caldwell, Jr, whom she married November 23, 2010 in Marquette; her son, Michael Gordon Kopsi; parents, Gordon "Gordy" and Roberta "Bobbi" Peterson; her sister, Jennifer Lazzari and son, Nate, all of Marquette; her aunt, Jane Luther of Ishpeming; an uncle, Joseph Gordon "Butch" (Kathy) Uren of Marquette; father-in-law, John Caldwell, Sr; brother-in-law, Chad Caldwell both of Gladstone; sisters-in-law, Brenda Ruitti of Escanaba and Stephanie (Victor) DeCastro of Lombard, IL; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; special friends, Robin Anthony and her son, Brandon Maher, Kalli Bell, and Mary Niemi; and her feline companions, Rocky, Whiskey, and Emmie. Joann was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Albert and Martha Peterson; maternal grandparents, Richard and Jeannie Uren; and her mother-in-law, Carol Caldwell.
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Joann H. (Peterson) Caldwell
The family will receive friends at the Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home on Monday, July 23, beginning at 4:00 pm with Order of Eastern Star memorial services at 6:30 pm. Funeral services will be held at 7:30 pm Monday evening with Rev. Leon Jarvis, Marquette General Hospital chaplain, presiding. A reception will follow at the Marquette Masonic Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to an education fund for Michael Gordon Kopsi, C/O River Valley Bank, 1101 N. Third Street, Marquette, MI 49855.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.swansonlundquistfuneralhome.com