"Dear Karen and family, I am sad and so very sorry to learn of Gary's death. When my father died, someone said to me, "He is not dead. In the hope of Jesus and the resurrection, he is alive in a different place." I believe this promise. I know that you and Gary did too. I thank you for wonderful visits at your home, delicious feasts of food and friendship and faith. I pray that the Lord will heal and comfort your heart with the promises of hope in Jesus' name, and with the love of His presence. In Christ, Lee Laaveg"
In loving memory of
Gary Lou Peters
February 17, 1939 - February 9, 2020
Gary L. Peters, age 80, of Clear Lake, Iowa, passed from this life into the next on Sunday, February 9, 2020, at Hospice of North Iowa in Mason City, surrounded by his loving family.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 14, 2020, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 301 South Main Street, Ventura, Iowa, with Pastor Jesse Burns officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, rural Swaledale, Iowa. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. Condolences may be expressed online at www.amesmonument.com.
Gary Lou Peters was born February 17, 1939, in Swaledale, Iowa, the son of Louie Carl and Reva Mollie (Tice) Peters. He graduated from Swaledale Consolidated High School in 1957, and on July 14, 1959, was united in marriage to Karen Kay Koehler.
Gary spent his lifetime doing what he loved--farming. As a young boy, he followed his Grandpa Harm around, talking and sharing farm stories. He learned by watching what other farmers were doing and looked for opportunities to get ahead. By listening to older farmers like Howard Oehlert, J.D. Richardson and many others, Gary learned the ropes and soon became a master of making deals and building a legacy for his family.
Throughout his life, Gary strived to follow God's plan for him. He saw the beauty of the land and his work ethic supported his dreams. His faith guided him throughout the ups and downs of farm life.
Even though his life has ended, another gate opens in the next world. In John 10:3-4, the Bible tells us that "the watchman opens the gate and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. He goes ahead of them. They know His voice." Gary is now following the voice of his shepherd and we can only imagine the wonderful things that await him in heaven's pasture and the voice that will say "Well done, my good and faithful servant."
Left to celebrate Gary's life are his wife of 60 years, Karen; his four children, David (LaVonne) Peters of Clear Lake, Connie (Scott) Huffman of Ankeny, John (Mary Hackman) Peters of Mason City, and Anne-Marie (Jack) Denholm of Storm Lake; eight grandchildren and their families, Justin (Ashley) Huffman of Eldridge and sons Camden, Drake and Abe, Sarah (Scott) Johnson of Wayzata, MN and sons David and Thomas, Jill (Rich) Rettinghaus of Ankeny and children Charlotte and Cason, Luke Peters of Minneapolis, MN, Alexa (Justin Buffington) Peters of Clear Lake and daughter Ophelia, Sam Huffman of West Des Moines, Mason Denholm of Ankeny, and Jessica Denholm of Carroll; and two sisters, Beverly (Ronnie) Behr of Rockwell, and Debra (Ron) Trewin of Lisbon. He is also survived by brothers- and sisters-in-law, Daryl Buchholtz of Swaledale, Nancy Peters of Mason City, Frank (Joan) Koehler of Mason City, John Koehler of Waterford, Ohio, and Mary (Alan) Eggebraaten of Forest City; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Lynn Peters; two sisters, Mary Jane Rawson and Tootie Buchholtz; and many cherished brothers- and sisters-in-law.
Blessed be the memory of Gary L. Peters.
Ames Monument & Cremation Center has been entrusted with the care of Gary and his family.
Tributes
"We want to extend our sympathy to Karen and the family of Gary. We were cousins and we will miss him too. We regret that we will be unable to attend services based on weather and that we are in the midst of moving. Thoughts and prayers, Ron and Karen Plaman ( my Mom, Patricia, was Reva?s sister). "
"Karen and family - I was so sorry to read about Gary's death when I checked the Globe Gazette website today. The way the obituary is written certainly describes Gary the way I knew him and remember him from the years I interacted with him and with your family when I was at Zion Lutheran in Clear Lake. And the picture of him is exactly the image I carry in my mind. Gary was a friendly and outgoing fellow whose love for his family, the land, and his Lord was so very evident. As we thank God for Gary's life, I pray that God's peace and strength will surround you and comfort you in the days ahead. (In retirement now, as I regularly reminisce about my years of ministry, I think often, Karen, about your participation in our backpacking trip to Colorado - a high point of my time at Zion.) Pastor Keith Tomlinson"
"David, LaVonne, and family, thoughts and prayers are with you. Sorry to hear of the passing of your dad! "
"Such a kind man. Gary always had something nice to say, especially about my kids. His empty spot in church will be noticed and felt. Shelly Richardson"
"Karen and family. Sorry to hear of Gary leaving by us. Always enjoyed his sharing of words of wisdom and experiences. God?s best Barb and Randy Park "
"Gary touched so many people during his life here on earth. I am forever grateful for his words of wisdom and his trust in my nephew Dominick to help him work his farm (Dom?s dream). My heart break with the family but I rejoice in knowing he?s with My dad in heaven. "