Thomas “Tom” Peters

Tom was born on August 25, 1942, in Laurium, MI to the late Tom and Ann (Brouillette) Peters and grew up in Lake Linden. In 1960, he joined the United States Army and served stateside during the Vietnam War, being honorably discharged in July of 1965. On August 6, 1966, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth “Liz” Huhtelin. Tom worked as a miner for the Calumet and Hecla Mining Co., at various mines and at the White Pine Copper Mine. In 1974, Tombo moved to Ishpeming and began his 30 years career with the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co., working mainly at the Tilden Mine as a Shovel Mechanic, retiring in 2004. While in Ishpeming he continued his service to his country, with the Michigan National Guard in the 107th Engineer Battalion out of Ishpeming and the 1075th Division out of the Marquette Armory for a total of 16 years.

Tom enjoyed the great outdoors, including hunting and fishing with his boys, metal detecting and camping. Tom was always one to keep his mind sharp studying history and geography and won many couch Jeopardy games. He belonged to the Chess club, Negaunee Pool League, Ishpeming Cribbage League, loved art and had a special eye for nature photography. He and Liz enjoyed their many camping excursions along with get-aways to the local casino’s where he played Texas Hold’em. Most of all Tom cherished his wife, children and grandchildren with many years of big family events, his laugh was one-of-a-kind, and he will be missed by all!

Survivors include his wife of 57 years Liz Peters of Ishpeming, six children – Todd (Tami) Bessner of Hancock, Brad (Jackie) Bessner of Ishpeming, Lisa (Scott) Etelamaki of Marquette, Thomas “Tombo” W. (Karen) Peters of Ishpeming, Terry (Jessica) Peters of Clarksburg, Troy (Jenna) Peters of Ishpeming, grandchildren – Nicole Bessner, Chelsea (Gust) Juntilla, Travis (Morgan) Bessner, Emily (Chris) Piette, Brittany (Adam) Mohrman, Brooke Etelamani, Adalyn Etelamaki, Eric Etelamaki, Tommy Peters, Jarl Peters, Johnny Peters, Tyler (Patty) Potila and Jackson Peters; great- grandchildren – Vivian, Clara, Gus, Sylvie, Violet, Ellarie, Owen, Matthew, Lily; a sister – Debbie Smith of Calumet, four brothers – Bobby (Lolo) Peters of Lake Linden, Richie (Bonnie) Peters of Calumet, Rodney (Carolyn) Peters of Laurium and Danny Peters of Manitowoc, WI, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 granddaughters – Leanne Bessner, and baby – Trista Peters.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 4 until 6 pm on Thursday, August 3, 2023, at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home where funeral services will be held at 6:00pm with the Rev. D. Michael Carriere to officiate. Interment will be held at the Ishpeming Cemetery, where Military Honors will be accorded. Pallbearers will be his sons – Todd, Brad, Tom, Terry and Troy along with his son-in-law – Scott.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to the staff at Brookridge Heights Assisted Living and Memory Care along with the Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice for their compassionate care.

Tom’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com, where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.