Obituary of Michael Douglas Peterson

In Loving Memory of Michael Peterson

Michael Peterson, age 46, died on September 25. His death was a great surprise, given that he was seemingly recovering from a serious illness and scheduled to have heart surgery soon. 

Michael was a valued employee at Ximpak in Colorado Springs. There he used his skills as a chemical processor, and his employer, Dan, referred to him as his, “ Steady Eddie”.

Michael was born on January 27, 1977 in Rochester, Minnesota and later relocated to Colorado Springs with his family in 1984. Michael began second grade in their new neighborhood, living just a short distance from his aunt, uncle, and cousins. Strong bonds developed between these families through so many shared activities such as: walking to school, sports, and camping. 

His commitment to faith in Jesus was strengthened through his active involvement at First Assembly of God Church, where he participated in Sunday School, Royal Rangers, and Youth Group. On February 28, 2015, Michael united in marriage with Melissa Stewart, and together, they embraced life's joys and challenges.

Michael’s education began with traditional elementary school, transitioned to homeschooling for high school, culminating in earning his GED. He enrolled at Pikes Peak Community College, dedicating a year to general studies.

He is survived by his loving wife, Melissa; devoted parents, Douglas and Lynda; cherished sister, Sara Jerez (Elvis); beloved nieces, Vivien and Natalie Jerez; grandparents, Cal and Phyllis Michaelson; and foster brother, Michael Albritton. Additionally, his memory is treasured by his large extended family and friends. 

Michael's warm spirit, unwavering faith, and enduring love will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of sharing in his forty six year journey.

We invite you to download the App: One Minute Pause. It may help you to understand the source of our resilience during this time.

Michael Douglas Peterson, a man whose greatest earthly pleasure was the love of Melissa. They met through Christian Mingle in September 2014 and shared an almost immediate bond. Engaged in December 2014, then married on February 28, 2015, and began an unwavering commitment to each other and their shared faith. Their love was expressed in the simple yet profound words, "I love you sooooo much!" and the echoed reply, ”So much my love!” 

The warmth of their connection only deepened when they purchased their first home in September 2021, creating a space to grow their family. In 2022, Michael and Melissa pursued their shared dream, and became licensed foster parents. They created a home where children found not just shelter, but a place to belong and be cherished. We pray that Michael’s legacy will be woven into the hearts of these children he embraced and loved.

To know Michael was to know a few other things that enriched his life. PC gaming connected him to a virtual world of like-minded enthusiasts and friends. Also, Michael was always up for an adventure, especially if it involved family and/or food. He loved camping trips with his family as a child and continued to share the love of this past time with Melissa. Michael was content with a lawn chair, a good book, a mountain view at Lake Turquoise, and, of course, good food. Michael and his dad loved to grill on the patio, a ritual that included a Honey Brown and wearing their “grilling hats”. His sister Sara remembers a fun experience of Michael winning a t-shirt for eating 28 enchiladas at On the Border. 

Michael's life, like ours, had its share of ups and downs. If he were standing among us today, he would willingly share his testimony of redemption, a story of God's grace bringing him back after years of estrangement. During this period Michael released the wounds of his life and embraced the immeasurable depth of God’s love for him.  In this renewed relationship with his Savior, he found the Source of healing for anger, envy, and resentments. God began replacing these with love, trust, and forgiveness. May the message that echoes from Michael's life inspire us all to continue the timeless practice of asking, seeking, and knocking. As we carry Michael's legacy in our hearts, may we be guided by the unwavering faith that sustained him, and may the door into God's love remain open, filling our lives with infinite grace. 

Memorial Service, 1:00PM, Saturday, October 28, 2023, The Springs Funeral Services - North, 6575 Oakwood Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80923.