History

Howe-Peterson proudly stands as Dearborn’s pioneer funeral home and oldest running business. Since 1873 we have been trusted to provide exceptional services to families throughout metro Detroit.

In 1864 Elba Howe came to the Dearborn area where he worked for the Michigan Central Railroad as the stationmaster. In the late 1860’s he began to assist local farmers in conducting funerals and as the local undertaker stocked a few coffins in the general store. After the birth of his son Louis in 1873, the Howe and Son Funeral Home was established near the corner of Michigan and Howe Streets, where Elba continued to conduct services and supply farmers with coffins.

In 1928 Edwin Peterson entered into partnership with Louis Howe and the name “Howe-Peterson Funeral Home” appeared on the Michigan Avenue site across from where the Dearborn location now stands. Due to growing local communities, the funeral home facilities were moved to their present location in 1943. Edwin married Kathleen Finch in 1933 and she used her business acumen along with her warm and caring presence to partner with her husband in managing the funeral home. Kathleen obtained her funeral director’s license in 1956 and after Edwin’s death in 1962 continued to run the funeral home along with her youngest son, Joseph.

Prior to Edwin Peterson’s death, a new location was established in Taylor to share his dedication and service with the downriver communities. Joseph had a vision of a new and innovative funeral home, and the transformation of the Taylor Chapel was completed in late summer 1989, before his passing in 1991. 

The family legacy lives on as Dorothy Peterson, Joseph’s wife, stays active in Howe-Peterson.  Their daughter, Kerrie Peterson, as President, continues the family tradition of providing unparalleled service in the metro Detroit area.