Submitted by: Mary Jo Koran

PETERSON

Nightlinger

Prentkowski

Rowinsky

Schmok

Strong

Woodiwiss

James E. Peterson Sr.

May 23, 1909 – June 4, 2003

James Edward Peterson Sr., 94, of Manor Drive, South Bend, died following an illness at 9:30am Wednesday, June 4, in his residence.

Mr. Peterson was born May 23, 1909, in Akron OH, to the late Alfred and Lena (Rowinsky) Peterson, and had lived in South Bend since World War II.

On September 17, 1938, in South Bend, he married Cletys Nightlinger, who survives.  He is also survived by two daughters, Jeanne (Roger) Prentkowski and Kay (Charles) Schmok, both of South Bend; a son, James E. (Kathleen) Peterson Jr. of South Bend; eight grandchildren, Sandy (Woody) Woodiwiss, Bob (Kelly) Prentkowski, Steve (Suzette) Schmok, Scott (Shari) Schmok, Kevin (Amy) Schmok, Kenny (Dorothy) Schmok, Amy (Gary) Strong and Jim (Andrea) Peterson III; and by 17 great grandchildren.

Mr. Peterson retired in 1979 from the Abstract and Title Company after 54 years service.  He served as president for 20 years.  He was a 50 year member of ST Joseph Lodge #45 F and AM where he served as secretary and treasurer.  He was also a member of Scottish Rite Valley of South Bend, Orak Shrine Temple, a 78 year member of Grace United Methodist Church, the Erskine Men’s Golf Club for many years where he served as president, the South Bend Airport Board of Directors, and was a lifetime member and past president of the Indiana Title Association.  He was a 1927 graduate of South Bend Central High School.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm Friday, June 6, in the Welsheimer Funeral Home, 521 N. William Street, with Rev. Hosea Drake of Grace United Methodist Church officiating.  Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery.  Friends may call from 4 to 8pm today, June 5, in the funeral home.