Ralph F Peters

Ralph F. Peters, age 95, Clark, died in the Prairie Lakes Hospital at Watertown on Friday evening, October 10, 2008 after a brief illness.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 2PM in the United Methodist Church at Clark with the Reverend Warren Rhodes officiating. Honorary casketbearers will be the Staff of the Golden Living Center - Clark. The active casketbearers will be Brian Peterson, Jim Lietz, Kevin Larson, Joe & Steve Peters and David Moritz. Burial will follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery at Clark.

Visitation will be held on Monday from 5-7 PM at the Furness Funeral Home at Clark and after noon at the Church on Tuesday.

Ralph was born on March 4, 1913 at Clark, the son of Fred and Magdalena "Lena" (Holstein) Peters. He grew to adulthood in the Clark area where he worked for various farmers. For a short time, he also did farm work in Iowa. In March of 1942 he enlisted in the US Army and served his country honorably until September of 1945. While in the service he was part of the 447th Bomb Squadron and served at Normandy, Northern France, The Rhineland and other area in Central Europe. He was awarded 6 Bronze Stars during those campaigns.

While in the Clark area he worked for many farmers including Bertha Anderson. He also worked at the Clark Farm Store for several years. In August of 1970 he was united in marriage to Marie Brannan Peterson. Marie died in July of 1991. Ralph continued living in his own home until moving to the Clark Care Center in May of 2005.

One of the things that Ralph will long be remembered for was his love of working outdoors. It really was remarkable to see him out on his mower, in his bib overalls, even at the age of 92! In years past he also enjoyed gardening.

Survivors include a step-daughter-in-law, Judy (Keith) Smith of Brookings, 10 step grandchildren and many step great and great-great grandchildren. Also surviving is brother-in-law, Arnold Brannan of Sioux City, IA. Preceding him in death were his parents, wife, brothers, Edward, Alvin and Emery Peters, step-children, Darrell Peterson, Geraldine Koan and Darlene Peterson and a step-granddaughter, Karla Kyper.

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