PETERS, Thomas E. 1947-2010
WAGNER, PETERS, KABAT, HAMMEL, BEGGS
Posted By: IA GenWeb Volunteer
Date: 11/19/2010 at 19:15:11
Thomas E. Peters
Thomas E. Peters, age 63, of LaCrosse, WI died September 30, 2010 at his residence in LaCrosse, WI. Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, October 4 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing, with Msgr. Ed Lechtenberg officiating. Interment was at Gethsemane Cemetery in Lansing with military rites conducted by Gustav F. Kerndt #5981 of the Lansing VFW and Beck-Glenn-Strong Post #50 of the Lansing American Legion.
Thomas was born June 7, 1947 in LaCrosse, WI to Clemon and Helen (Wagner) Peters of Lansing, one of six sons and one daughter. Thomas attended Immaculate Conception Elementary School and St. George High School in Lansing and earned an Associates degree attending Yuba College in California and Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI.
He entered the Marines Corps in April 1965, following the steps of four brothers. One of his proudest accomplishments was serving with Rifle Company India, 3rd Battalion 1st Marine Regiment. They went through Raider Training on Okinawa for three months before landing on the biggest amphibious operation since Inchon Korea on Operation Double Eagle. Thomas participated in numerous Search and Destroy missions until November 1966.
Upon returning home, he married Mary Lynne Kabat of LaCrosse, WI, December 21, 1966. They have three children, Anthony, Michelle, and Angela.
After living in LaCrosse, WI for two years, they joined the United States Air Force. Thomas attained the rank of Senior Master Sergeant and retired after a combination of 21 years and four months with the Marine Corps and Air Force. He earned the Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal with two campaign stars, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and Vietnam Campaign Medal. He also earned the Air Force Meritorious Service, three Air Force Commendation Medals, an Air Force Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal with four Oak Leaf clusters, an overseas service medal, remote tour medal, Air Force Leadership School Medal with Oak leaf clusters. In 1973, he finished first in a class of 111 at the NCO Leadership School at March AFB, California.
During his service years he coached, umpired and was League President of the base little league baseball team and was an active member of the K.I. Sawyer Snowmobile Club, holding the office of president. Upon retirement in 1988, they lived in Lansing, where he was active in Boy Scout Troop 47, belonged to the Volunteer Ambulance Service, Lansing Volunteer Fire Department, was a member of the City Council and served a partial term as Mayor. He is a life member of VFW Post 5981 and Member of the American Legion Post 50. He was also an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
In 2004, they moved to LaCrosse, WI to be near their children and help take care of their autistic grandson. They became members of Trinity Lutheran Church, where they were active as ushers. Thomas was a volunteer with the Causeway for the past four years.Survivors include his wife, Mary; his son, Anthony (friend Robin Hoff); his daughter, Michelle Hammel and her children, Jordan, Jalen and Jared; and his daughter, Angela and her husband, Steve, and children, Taylor and Tanner. Also surviving are his brothers, Robert and Donald, of Lansing; a brother, Vincent, of Crossville, TN; a sister, Helene of Calmar; and a sister-in-law, Lettie (Richard). Also surviving is a special step-daughter, Kelly Beggs, and her husband, Dave, and sons, Zachary and Dalton, of Bancroft, WI.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Kenneth and Richard; and a sister-in-law, Evelyn (Kenneth).
Waukon Standard newspaper, Oct. 6, 2010
Allamakee Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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