Robert Howard Peters

Robert Howard Peters peacefully passed away on January 8, 2022, after a brief illness. He was born on January 10th, 1952, making his life just two days short of 70 years. He was the only son in the small family of two children born to Howard and Josephine (Inman) Peters. He spent his growing up years in the rural Ithaca area working for his Dad who owned a masonry and construction business. He was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on July 14th, 1968, by Minister Richard Litwiller. On June 24th, 1972, Dad married Mom, Wanda Benner. In the spring of '73 they started a new venture becoming lifelong Dairy farmers. We as children are grateful for the farming lifestyle and that we had the opportunity to have Dad around through our growing up years. Dad remained active in farming until his life took a sudden turn in January of 2009, when he suffered a massive stroke. During this time, we as a family had anxious hearts and we thought we were going to have to say our goodbyes. After Dad recovered and realized how near he had come to death, he understood that our Merciful Father had granted him a "second chance." We as a family are now comforted during this time of loss with the knowledge that Dad made "sure steps" and renewed his vows with God. Although Dad remained semi handicapped and his active days were over, we feel that these were some of Dad's very best years. He was an inspiration to many with his smile and upbeat attitude. Dad was known as a giver and one to always encourage. His outgoing personality and interest in others won him many friends. He found fulfillment in doing the small things he could and was known to many as a prayer warrior, lifting those of family, friends and even relative strangers up to his Loving Father. He took an interest in his children and grandchildren and became particularly close to one of his grandsons who lived just down the road. They shared many days together back in the woods, by the creek or just at the house. Those left to cherish fond memories are his wife, Wanda of Ithaca, Michigan his mother, Josephine of Ithaca, Michigan; his five children: Chad (Shelly) Peters of Ithaca, Michigan., Avery (Christine) Peters of Fowler, Michigan, Trent (Kristina) Peters of West Union, Iowa, Ashley (Rebekah) Peters of Riverdale, Michigan, Laura (Paul) Brady of Bridgewater, Maine; 22 grandchildren; and his sister, Sherry Thompson of Lansing, Michigan. Also left behind are brother-in-law, Gary Benner, St. Johns, Michigan; sisters-in-law: Joyce and Jim Decker, DeRidder, Louisiana; Gloria and Orlie Friesen and Mary and Tobie Yoder, Barron, Wisconsin; Marta and Joel Unruh, Ronan, Montana; Diane and Andrew Lambdin, Scotia, Nebraska; step-mother-in-law, Maxine Benner, Middleton, Michigan; and her children Mike and LuAnn Petoskey, Lake Providence, Louisiana; Michelle and Gregg Fitzpatrick, Carson City, Michigan; and Kirk and Marilyn Petoskey, Goshen, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his father, Howard. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at 10:30 A.M. at the Newark Mennonite Church with Ministers Darin Litwiller, Mike Litwiller, Doug Salsbury, and Greg Friesen officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. and 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the church. Burial will take place at the Hayes Road Cemetery. Those desiring, may make contributions in Robert’s memory to Mapleview Retirement Community, 4396 S. Luce Road, Ithaca, MI 48847.