Edward “Skeeter” Petersen, age 59 of Stanton, passed on Sunday, February 9, 2020 at his home under the loving care of his family and Heartland Hospice. Skeeter was well known in our community as a firefighter having worked at various departments for over 30+ years, most recently on the Day Township Fire Department. Skeeter was also a paramedic having worked for Montcalm County EMS and Mobile Medical Response. Skeeter also worked for FEMA and assisted with the disaster relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina. As a firefighter and paramedic Skeeter understood the importance in helping people and as a person and community member, Skeeter knew the value in giving back to others. He taught first aid and CPR at the fire academy along with other subjects, he served in many roles on the Stanton Old Fashioned Days board, including being their former president, he was a member of the Community Emergency Response Team, the Montcalm County Fire Association Honor Guard and served his county in the Army National Guard. When he wasn’t helping others, Skeeter loved woodworking, fixing things that weren’t broke yet, watching baseball, and collecting things. Skeeter also loved to decorate for Christmas, often filling his yard with lots and lots of lights, inflatable decorations, and then even more lights. Skeeter will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him. Surviving Skeeter is his mother, Barbara Petersen of Stanton; wife, Shelly Staffen-Petersen of Stanton; daughters, Miranda Denman (Brent TenEyck) of Stanton; Brittany Denman (Jamie Grunwell) of Stanton; son, Danny Staffen of Stanton; grandchildren, Karley, Kendyl, Natalie, Tyler and a soon to be born granddaughter; brother, Jamie (Kristen) Petersen of Stanton; several other brothers and sisters; many nieces and nephews; and his brothers and sisters in the Fire & EMS Services. Skeeter was preceded in death by his father, Ed Petersen. Visitation for Skeeter is being held on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at the Simpson Family Funeral Home in Stanton (225 W. Cedar Street) from 3-7 PM. Funeral services for Skeeter will be on Thursday, February 13, 2020 at Trinity Church in Stanton (415 N. Mill Street) beginning at 10 AM with Pastor Phil Van Dop officiating. For those wanting to make a memorial donation in Skeeter’s name the family suggests you direct them to either the Montcalm County Fire Association Honor Guard or Heartland Hospice. Envelopes will be available at both funeral home and church.