Michael John Peterson, 71, Frankfort, passed away Monday, June 3, 2024, at his residence. He was born March 21, 1953, in Anchorage, Alaska to John and Hazel (Hite) Peterson. He married Susan Jane Curtis on August 12, 1982. She preceded him in death on January 10, 2024.
Mike grew up in a military family and lived all over the world during his years. He was a 1971 graduate of Layton High School in Utah. Following his graduation, he served in the United States Army in Germany during the Vietnam War. When he returned to the states, Mike served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Japan for 2 years where he gained a passion for the Japanese culture and language.
Mike went on to earn his bachelor’s in music education from Indiana University. He eventually went on to get his certificate in Japanese and master’s degree. He was a choir, music and Japanese teacher for 37 years beginning at Bloomfield High School in 1981, then Frankfort High School, McCutcheon High School and Harrison High School, and ending his teaching career at Winchester Middle School in 2018. He was passionate about his students, always encouraging and pushing them to be their best and do their best. He went above and beyond caring about their educational successes and their personal successes.
Mike had many passions in life. One of his biggest passions was being a performer. He could be found singing in many choirs, including the Indianapolis Opera Chorus; performing many plays and musicals, including Red Barn Summer Theater and Clinton County Civic Theater; putting on shows with the schools he taught and encouraging the passion of theater in his students. He loved performing with his family and helping his wife with the technical side of her dance studio. He also became a talent scout and vocal coach.
Mike was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had a genuine heart for service and would do anything he could to help his fellow man.
Mike leaves behind countless cherished friendships and a blended and loving family including her five children, Victoria Jane Gay Pass (husband, Robert) of Martinsville; Brandon Curtis Weaver (wife, Ashlee) of Lebanon, IN; Aaron David Weaver of Kirklin, IN; Christopher Michael Peterson and Nicholas John Kelly Peterson both of Greenwood; grandchildren, Clayton, Mackenzie, Autumn, Hunter, Remy, Nico, Frank, Colt, Aynslee, Margot, and Eleanor Jane; four great-grandchildren, Kolby, Oaklynn, Whitley, and Jettson; and a sister, Ann Peterson.
Along with his wife, Mike was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Mary Peterson and Beatrice Jeanne Yost.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 13, 2024, from 5-7pm at Day & Genda Funeral Home in Frankfort and Friday, June 14, 2024, 12pm until the time of service at 1pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2291 Witt Rd, Lebanon, Indiana. Burial will follow at Green Lawn Cemetery in Frankfort. Messages of condolence may be left at www.dayandgenda.com.