Peters, John A. (1880-1958)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Aug 21 p. 8

Birth date: 1880 Aug 22

text of obituary:

JOHN A PETERS

Our father, John A. Peters, eldest son of Dietrich and Anna Friesen Peters, was born on Aug. 22, 1880, at Henderson, Neb. Being the eldest of a large family, he lived with his grandparents from five until 14 years of age, after which he worked at different places. His schooling was very limited.

At the age of 22 he was baptized by Elder Peter J. Friesen and joined the Mennonite church at Henderson, Neb. He served faithfully through the years as Sunday school leader, superintendent and deacon.

On Jan. 22, 1903, he was married to Gertrude Rempel, and they were privileged to live together for over 55 years.

In 1904, with their small daughter, our parents moved from Henderson, Neb. to Quincy, Wash., where they resided for 20 years.then they moved onto a new settlement near Deer Park, Wash., where they lived until 1942, and since then have made their home near Newport, Wash.

Eleven children were born to this union. Four children preceded him in death, Elizabeth at the age of three, Gerhardt at three weeks, Sarah at five years,and Helen, (Mrs. W. D. Hiebert) at the age of 37. Also five grand-children preceded him in death.

In January 1953 our parents were able to celebrate their golden wedding, with all the children present.

In the later years father's hearing was impaired. He readily made friends,and will be greatly missed.

He was always in good health, never having had a sick day or a stay in the hospital until Feb. 4, 1957, when he underwent major surgery for removal of a tumor, which proved to be cancerous. The operatoin [sic] was miraculously successful and he was again able to come home, even though his steps were slower, and he was growing more feeble.

On July 28, 1958, he again had surgery performed, and was making a good recovery when he was suddenly taken from this life to be with his Saviour on Saturday morning, Aug. 2, 1958, at 9:00 a. m. at the age of 77 years, 11 months and 10 days.

Last rites were held at the Spring Valley Mennonite Church on Aug. 6 at 2:00 p. m. with Rev. Rudolph Schmidt speaking words of comfort based on John 14:1 to 6. A mixed wuartet sang two numbers. Pall bearers were five sons-in-law and a grandson A men's quartet sang at the graveside. Friends, wishing to do so were asked to donate for a memorial fund in his memory.

Surviving are his beloved companion and our mother, Gertrude; his children, Dick and wife Edna of Spokane, Anna and husband Elof Ostling of Kittitas, John and wife Elizabeth of Custer, Eva and husband Robert Temple of Seattle, Marie and husband Byron Watts of Loring Air Base, Maine, Kathryn and husband Gus Hiebert of Newport, Gertrude and husband Frank J. Loewen of Custer, and a son-in-law, W. D. Hiebert, Newport; 27 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Anna Waltner of Monroe, Mrs. Peter Schrag and Mrs. C. C. Gossen, both of Dallas, Ore.; four brothers, Benjamin of Henderson, Neb., Henry of Marlin, and Isaac and George of Dallas, Ore.; also numerous nieces and nepews [sic] and many friends and neigbors [sic].

We miss himas we seehis vacant chair, but we knowweshall seehim again. — The Children.

The Mennonite obituary: 1958 Dec 16 p. 786