Submitted by: Dan Rich

Allan Jorsan Peterson

Aug. 6, 1925 - Feb. 7, 2003

South Bend Tribune 2/10/2003

Allan Jordan "Grandpa Woods" Peterson, 77, of West 8th Street, in Mishawaka, Ind., passed away in his home on Feb. 7 of natural causes. Mr. Peterson was born Aug. 6, 1925 to John and Mildred (Irvine) Peterson in Chicago, Ill. His parents preceded him in death. Mr. Peterson is survived by his son, Rick Peterson and his wife Barbara of Johnson City, Ill.; and his daughters, Robin Anderson and her husband Wallace of Mishawaka and April Peterson. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren, and 2 step grandchildren, as well as his sisters, Mildred Farmer of Texas and Roberta Swedo, and Janice Cook of Illinois. Allan was preceded in death by his son, Allan Michael Peterson in 1995, and a brother, John Peterson.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today, Feb. 10, 2003, in Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola, Ind. Services will be conducted by Dr. William Wassner at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2003 with interment to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, where military rites will be performed by the VFW Post 360 Color Guard.

As a young man, Allan worked in the stables where he developed a passion for horse racing, and aspired to be a Jockey in his younger years. Allan served his country in the Army Air Corps during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1945. Mr. Peterson owned Virg-N-Pete's restaurant in Chicago for 25 years, before retirement in 1984, when he moved to the Mishawaka area. Mr. Peterson was a former member of the Moose Lodge, and was a avid bowler, winning many championships and trophies. Allan was also known in the area as the #1 Clay High School Hockey Fan. Many of the area High School Hockey players knew Allan as "Grandpa Woods." He will be greatly missed as a Father, Grandfather, Brother and Friend to many. Memorial donations may be given in his name to Elkhart General Hospice, or the Clay Hockey Club, who will be coordinating a memorial to Grandpa Woods at the Ice Box in South Bend.