Emma St. Peter

She was born on Nov. 10, 1945, in Stambaugh to the late Victor and Josephine (Ciecieroka) Franzoi. During Emma’s early years, she lived in Caspian and attended school there. Later, the family moved to Iron River and she and her brothers, Frank and Victor Jr., attended the St. Agnes Grade School and then Iron River High School. In school, Emma was involved in a number of activities and always talked about her involvement with Mrs. Donati’s 4-H group, where she learned her love for flower and vegetable gardens. Emma graduated with the Class of 1963.

After a short time at St. Norbert College, Emma attended Northern Michigan University. She graduated in 1967 with a major in social work and minor in education. Emma and her roommate, Jerri Flynn, traveled to Florida and found a job teaching Head Start for two years in Homestead, Fla.. During her time there, Emma enjoyed traveling all throughout Florida and appreciated the many activities available. Emma returned to the area and attended Northern Michigan University, receiving her master’s degree in education.

Emma married her high school beau Albert “Skip” St. Peter on July 4, 1970, at Assumption Church in Iron River. The couple lived at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala., until Al was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in October 1970. While in Huntsville, the couple traveled through the cities and back countries of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee. They celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary this year.

Emma and Skip returned to the area, where Emma substitute taught until she received a full-time position with the Breitung Township School District in Kingsford. Emma loved teaching and was dedicated to each student and class. She retired in 2004 after 32 years. Emma always put people first and she would go out of her way and would do anything possible to comfort and help someone.

Over the years, Emma enjoyed nature and all types of outdoor activities from snow skiing, water-skiing, cross-country skiing to jogging 5 and 10k runs and attended social events and activities with her parents and Skip. Emma loved to read, especially gardening and health magazines or books. She loved to garden and would spend hours tending to her flowers and vegetables. Family often tried to coax her to go into the floral business, but she felt that would take away from the joy and pleasure.

Later in life, long walks, boating, swimming, and spending time gardening were Emma’s main activities until her health started to fail. As Emma’s health failed, she resided with her husband at their home in Iron River.

Emma is survived by her husband, Albert; brother, Victor (Joan) Franzoi of Belleville, Mich.; nieces and nephews; extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Frank Franzoi.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at noon on Saturday at St. Agnes Catholic Church, with Rev. Daniel Fosu to officiate.

Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial donations to a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Emma St. Peter online at www.jacobsfuneralhomeir.com.

Funeral arrangements by the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River.