1930 – Richard “Dick” Peters – 2019
Richard was born on a farm near Slayton, Minnesota on May 27, 1930. Richard graduated from Slayton Public High School in 1948 and graduated in 1952 with a BBA from the University of Minnesota (NROTC Program). Richard received a commission in the Regular Navy Supply Corps and served 1952-55, including serving as the Supply and Dispensing Officer on the USS John R. Pierce. Richard met Joyce Beverly Peterson in 1947 and they married on September 22, 1951 at Storden, Minnesota. They were beloved parents of Rebecca Jo “Becky” born on November 13, 1952, Margaret Anne on February 26, 1954, and David Richard on March 25, 1960. Richard had a long and successful career in finance with 3M Company. He was hired as Product Accountant in the Controller’s Department in 1955. He was the first Managing Director of 3M New Zealand. He retired in 1989 as Controller of International Operations and member of the Executive Committee. Richard served faithfully in various elected and appointed positions in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) including the Synodical Board of Directors, the Minnesota South District Board of Directors, the LCMS Foundation Board, and the Concordia University System. He also served for many years on the Board of Regents of Concordia University, St. Paul. In 2007 Richard was involved in the formation of a specialized pastoral counseling ministry entitled Cathedral Rock Centre, Inc. in Sedona, Arizonza. In 2009 Richard was awarded an honorary doctorate by Concordia University, St. Paul. In recent years Richard also helped form the Ambassadors of Reconciliation (LCMS) and served as Treasurer. Richard served in various capacities in every congregation of membership; and he and Joyce actively sang in the choirs of South Shore Trinity Lutheran (White Bear Lake, MN), Rock of Ages Lutheran (Sedona AZ), Peace Lutheran (Camarillo, CA), and Redeemer Lutheran (Amery, WI). Richard, a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 89, on September 24, 2019, surrounded by family.
He is survived by his wife Joyce (Amery, WI); his children: Rebecca Peters (White Bear Lake, MN), Margaret Driscoll (Mesa, AZ) and David (Donna Forry) Peters (Ventura, CA); grandchildren: Patrick and Luke (Chelsea) Driscoll, Benjamin and Elliot Keyes, and Mattie Peters; great-grandchildren Riley and Kellen Driscoll, and River Driscoll. He is also survived by siblings: Phyllis Mansch, Marlys Wenzel, Curtis (Pamela) Peters, and Les (Jan) Peters. Richard was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Dolores (Priebe) Peters; and his sisters Byrdella Bjerklie and Betty Tanck.
A public memorial service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Amery, WI. Burial and military honors at Amery Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Redeemer Lutheran Church of Amery. To sign an online guest book and view a video tribute visit www.williamsonwhite.com. Arrangements were made with the Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Amery.
