Peters, Ernest (1913-1945)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1945 May 17 p. 3

Birth date: 1913 May 28

ERNEST PETERS

Ernest Peters was born at Corn, Oklahoma, on May 28, 1913, to Anna and John Peters. He grew up and attended school in Oklahoma, Colorado, Nebraska, and Canada. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized by Rev. Taylor in July, 1932, and united with the United brethren Church of Peetz, Colorado, which he attended, as there was no Mennonite church in the community. later he moved to Monroe, Washington, with his parents. Here he joined the Mennonite church.

In the spring of 1940 he came to Aberdeen, Idaho, to seek employment. Here he joined the First Mennonite Church and was an active member in all church organizations to which he belonged. His cheerful loving and friendly ways won him host of friends.

On July 8, 1942, he was called into the service of his country. He chose to go as a noncombatant and was placed into the Medical Corps, feeling that he could help some wounded soldier physically and spiritually.

On May 23, 1943, he was united in holy wedlock with Ruth Schmidt by Rev. Phil. A. Wedel. Whenever possible he had his wife near camp with him. Many happy hours were spent together.

This union was blessed with one daughter, Marianne Ruth. Ernest was able to be at home at the time his daughter was born and also four months later. He loved children and was always concerned about his own little child. He would always write how much he longed to see her again. His wife was privileged to spend a short time with him before he was sent overseas in December. he spent two and one-half months in England and from there was sent to France and Germany. it was his privilege to have his brother John always stationed with him.

On April 17 he and another man were driving a truck in Gnadenau, Germany, meeting another tuck from the opposite direction. Due to heavy dust and poor eyesight, he failed to notice the other truck and collided. He died of head injuries and could go instantly to his home above without suffering. His burial was held April 19 or 20 in a United States military cemetery in Margraten, Holland.

Ernest reached the age of 31 years 10 months and 13 days. He was a devoted husband, always trying to bring cheer to his wife and daughter in every letter he wrote. He is very deeply missed by all who knew him.

He leaves to mourn his departure his beloved wife, Ruth, and baby daughter, Marianna Ruth of Aberdeen; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John J. Peters of Monroe, Washington; three sisters. Mrs. Ray E. Albrecht, Monroe; Mrs. Edwin Friesen, Belton, Montana; Miss Hulda Peters, Monroe; four brothers, Henry and Menno, Monroe; Albert, Aberdeen, and Cpl. John Peters, somewhere in Germany, and a host of relatives and friends. One brother preceded him in death.

Memorial services were held Sunday, May 20, at 2:30 P. M. at the First Mennonite church of Aberdeen, Idaho.

The services were conducted by Rev. H. J Brown, supply pastor of the church. His message of comfort was based on Romans 5:2-5. A men's quartet composed of Herbert Hege, Henry Becker, Edwin Becker and Randolf Moser sang three numbers, "Come Ye Disconsolate," "In the Sweet Bye and Bye," and "We'll Say Good-night Here But Good Morning Up There." Processional and Recessional were played by miss Eleanor Isaak. A large attendance was present even though there was a heavy rain and hail storm at the time.

The Mennonite obituary: 1945 Jun 12 p. 14