PETERS, Ben F. 1887-1960

PETERS, SCHOEMAKER, TJADEN

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 4/26/2014 at 06:13:08

Ben Peters, Auctioneer 45 Years, Dies At Sale Barn

Ben F. Peters, 72, well known Wellsburg area auctioneer, died suddenly of a heart attack at 1:30 p.m. Friday in the sale barn at Ackley, the Ackley Sales Pavilion, which he had owned for several years.

Mr. Peters remained active in business until the time of his death even though he had been in failing health.

He had suffered a light heart attack in 1958. Then on March 25, 1959, he had a severe attack and spent several weeks in the Grundy County Memorial Hospital.

Ben had chatted with several farmers at Friday's sale in the auction pavilion only moments before his death, and did not complain of being ill. Without warning he slumped over near the main entrance of the sale barn, dead of a heart attack.

The passing of this fine gentleman came as a shock to the entire community. He was always honest in his dealings, and as a result farmers from a wide area came to the Ackley sale barn each week knowing they could depend on Ben's judgement. No great compliment could be paid a man than the respect his business associates had for Ben.

Funeral services for Ben Peters were held Monday at 1 p.m. in the home, and later in the Second Christian Reformed Church. Rev. Carl Toeset was in charge. Burial was in the Shiloh township cemetery.

Pallbearers were Albert Peters, Henry Peters, Tom Peters, Harry Peters, Bernie Peters and George Peters.

Music for the service was furnished by the Men's Quartet of the Second Christian Reformed Church, Don Ross, Henry Vanderzyden, Leland Luwe and Dick Claassen. Mrs. Clarence Beecroft was organist.

Mrs. Dena Haack and Mrs. J. L. Fischer served as flower attendants.

Obituary
Benjamin Franklin Peters was born March 29, 1887, on a farm near Parkersburg in Butler county, the son of Henry and Jennie Schoemaker Peters. He had reached the age of 72 years, 9 months and 23 days at the time of his death.

He was educated at Little Rock, Iowa, and while still a young man of 19 came to Wellsburg in 1906. Three years later he was united in marriage to Elsie Tjaden.

The deceased had been an auctioneer for 45 years, and several years ago took over ownership of the Ackley Sales Pavilion, along with his son Glen, of Ackley. He also was engaged in the real estate business.

Mr. Peters had attended the Second Christian Reformed church for many years.

Survivors include the widow; one son, Glen; and one daughter, Norma, Mrs. John T. Riekena of Wellsburg; also four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Other survivors include a brother, Pete Peters, and one sister, Mrs. Jennie Kelso, both of Worthington, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 10 brothers and two sisters.

Those attending the funeral of Ben Peters from away were: Mr. and Mrs. Pete Peters, Worthington, Minn.; Mrs. Jennie Kelso, and Mr. and Mrs. Vic Lebens, all of Worthington; Mr. and Mrs. Chester Peters and son Dale, of Worthington;

Elmer Schultz and daughter of LaCross, Wis.; Mr. and Mrs. Harold Koopman, Sibley; Mr. and Mrs. Sam Zylstra, Little Rock; Mrs. Vivian Boyd, Manning, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Tom Peters, Gilmore City; Albert and Henry Peters of Little Rock;

Bernie Peters, Rolfe; Harry Peters, Gilmore City; Mrs. Jake Christians, Little Rock; Donn Riekena, Minneapolis; Mr. and Mrs. Shirley Dilly, Aplington; Kenneth Dilly, Hampton; Mr. and Mrs. Martin Kasischke, Eldora;

Mrs. Mable DeVries, Parkersburg; Steve Jacobs, Sigourney; Merle Mersman and Junior Liston, Marshalltown; Oscar Tostlebe, Cedar Falls; Joe Kramer and Kenny Reisinger, Eldora; Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Heltibridle of Grundy Center.

--The Grundy Register/Wellsburg Register (Grundy Center, Iowa), 28 January 1960, Section 3, pg 2