Bernhard (Ben) Otto Peters, 92, was born on September 21, 1924, in Sheboygan, WI to Jacob and Elizabeth Peters. Ben passed away in his home on March 25, 2017.
Family
Ben is survived by his wife, Eileen; daughter Linda and her husband Scott; son Ronald and his wife Lori; son Daniel; daughter Nancy and her husband Kevin; granddaughter Brittany, her husband Jordan, and great-grandchildren Micah and Eliana; granddaughter Courtney; grandson Ryan and his wife Stephanie; and grandson Tyler.
Military and Career
When Ben was eighteen, he was drafted into the Army during World War II on September 2, 1943. His first assignment was in the 89th Division (Military Police). He was transferred to the Army Air Corps in the summer of 1944, and he was shipped to the Pacific Theater. He served in Guam and the Philippines. He was discharged on April 3, 1946 as a PFC. When he returned home, he resumed his position at Allen-Bradley Company as an electrical wireman. He retired in 1984 after wiring large and small electrical panels for 43 years.
Life and Legacy
Ben’s parents immigrated to Sheboygan, WI from Germany in the early 1920’s. He was the youngest of five children. The family later moved to Milwaukee, WI where he spent most of his life. Ben met his sweetheart, Eileen, through his sister, Sally, while the girls were attending Central Bible Institute (Springfield, MO). They met in 1947 and were married in 1957 at Bethel Tabernacle (Assemblies of God). Unbeknownst to Ben and Eileen, they had attended Full Gospel Assembly of God in Milwaukee, WI when they were both young. Ben was saved at an early age and lived his life for the Lord. As a result, his entire family (children and grandchildren) are serving the Lord.
After several family trips to Florida, Ben and his wife decided to retire there in 1986. All of his children and their spouses eventually joined them in the Sunshine State to escape the cold. In the late 1980’s and 1990’s, he enjoyed spending time with his four grandchildren. More recently, he enjoyed being with his two great-grandchildren and was anticipating the arrival of his third great-grandchild in August 2017. He loved to read and watch old movies about World War 11, especially those with John Wayne in them. He was Mr. Fix-It and could repair almost anything.
Services
The services honoring Ben’s life have been temporarily postponed due to an illness of a family member. On Wednesday, April 5, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Tarpon Springs Church located at 505 East Tarpon Ave, Tarpons Springs, FL. A Public will commence at 10:30AM and the Funeral Service will follow at 11:00AM. Ben will be buried with Military Honors at Florida National Cemetery at 2:00PM.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to The Christian Broadcasting Network.
Friends and family are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
Dear Linda, Scott and Family: My sincere condolences for your loss and sorrow! Yor father was an outtanding hero and man of faith. Heavens gain and God promises that you will meet him again..
Dear Linda and Scott,
Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.
I pray that our Father’s love will wrap around you right now.
Your father sounds like a great man, and I see now why you have a deep rooted love for God, and sunshine!
He will be clearly missed by your family, but there is the beautiful hope of our heavenly reunion.
Hugs through your tears, dear choir friend. Sing….He’s a good good Father.
God be with you,
Kerstin Boyce xoxo
I am very sorry for your family’s loss. I never had the pleasure of meeting “Grampy” in person, but heard wonderful things about him from Courtney!
Our thoughts and prayers for entire family
Linda, Thoughts and prayers for you and your family during this time. Continued prayers that stay with you and your family as you continue to live without him. Memories are the the best! Live life to the fullest… I know your dad would want that!
Linda and Family: My sincere sympathy & prayers to all of you. May you cherish your precious memories of such a wonderful man who was blessed in so many ways throughout his life. Hugs to you and may your strong faith carry you throughout this most difficult time. God Bless.
Rose Egnacheski
Aunt Eileen, Ron, Linda, Dan and Nancy,
I just got back from Israel last night with a message from Sharon that I had to call her today. She gave me the sad news about Ben (and Linda).
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
I know the pain you are in right now, but be assured your dad is rejoicing and praising his Lord continuously. May each of you experience the joy of the Lord despite your tears of sadness, and may you rest in the assurance of Ben’s salvation and complete healing.
Eileen and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate the life of a great man, Ben Peters. We remember Ben with fondness. He was a quiet and gentle person, quick to smile and say a kind word. We have such admiration and respect for him as the father of four very, very quality, godly children. I know Ben was proud of each one of you. What a legacy he has left and what a huge imprint he leaves on our world through his example and testimony.