Herman P. Peters

1929 – 2002

Herman was born to his parents, Peter P. and Anna Peters on October 26, 1929 in the village of Reinland, MB, where he also received his elementary school education. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour at the age of 12, was baptized upon the confession of his faith on June 1, 1950 and received as a member of the Sommerfeld Mennonite Church. The family moved to the Carman area, where Herman eventually farmed on his own, while working at various occupations as a labourer during the off-season, including one winter in Vancouver, BC. He also took some vocational training in Winnipeg to become an electrician, which remained one of his proudest achievements. This provided employment opportunities with local electrical contractors later, where he was involved with wiring some commercial building projects, such as schools.

Herman was a bachelor until he married the love of his life, Annie Giesbrecht, on February 14, 1976. They made their home in Winkler, and it was during this time that Herman was introduced to the John J. Hamm family who were friends of the Giesbrechts. After Annie’s parents passed away, Herman and Annie adopted the Hamm family as their own. Having no children of their own, Herman and Annie especially cherished the Hamm grandchildren, particularly the Blatz girls. After Annie passed away on September 11, 1997, Herman came to lean heavily on the Hamm family for support and direction, especially “Mom and Dad” Hamm, and we really got to know Herman for the unique individual he was. His broad knowledge if Scripture, literature, history and current affairs, along with his frank openness, transparent honestly and unique sense of humor made for some colourful conversations at many a family gathering.

Even though Herman has his own struggles from time to time, he was very open about his faith, and always had a spiritual concern for his family, friends and acquaintances, that they should come to a saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and have the same assurance of salvation that he had. This was evident even up until his passing.

Herman was a faithful attender at church and an active participant in Adult Sunday School and Bible Study groups.  Prayer for others was also a vital part of his life.

Herman was hospitalized on May 27, 2002 at the Boundary Trails Health Centre, after being diagnosed with cancer. Surgery followed soon after, from which he recovered quiet well, enabling him to go home on June 20, only to be readmitted on June 21, where he remained until his passing.

God called Herman home on Sunday, August 18, 2002 at 1:05 am. He reached the age of 72 years, 10 months and 23 days. Herman touched many lives and will be sadly missed, but we rejoice in the knowledge that he is with his dear Saviour and his beloved Annie.

He was predeceased by his parents, Peter P. and Anna Peters (nee Giesbrecht), one sister Martha, and his wife Annie.

His is survived by two sisters, Eva Derksen of Carman and Susan Boyd of Edmonton and their families; one uncle David and Susan Peters of Winkler, one aunt Elizabeth Paetkau of Altona, many relatives and friends.

Funeral service was held on Thursday, August 22, 2992 at the Winkler E.M.M.Church at 10:30am with Pastor Dale Dueck and Pastor Jerry Hildebrand officiating. Interment followed at the Winkler Cemetery.

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Eden Foundation Box 129 Winkler, MB R6W 4A4.

Phillipians 1:6 “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

The John J. Hamm Family.

Wiebe Funeral Home, Winker in care of arrangements.