Harry John PETERS, Sr.

PETERS, VELDHOUSE, SCHROEDER, JOHNSON, PETERS, ABBAS, ROPS, MEINDERS, WUNCHELL

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 7/15/2008 at 12:00:41

29 November 1873 -- 1 July 1943

Source Unknown, ca. July 1943

The entire community was shocked to learn of the sudden death of Mr. Harry J. Peters which occurred last Thursday evening at his home on north Main Street in Kanawha. Mr. Peters had spent the afternoon with his son, John, and upon returning to his home late in the afternoon, having put his car in the garage, he began to do a few chores about the place. Apparently while engaged in these duties he was sudden stricken with cerebral thrombosis which resulted in his instant death. His body was found a few hours later and the family immediately notified. Having previously always enjoyed good health his sudden death came as a distinct shock to all.

Harry John Peters, Sr. was born on November 29, 1873, at Aplington, Iowa, where he grew to manhood in his parental home. In 1898 he was united in marriage to Miss Tena Veldhouse. The following two years the young couple made their home on a farm near Aplington and then moved to a farm in Hancock county four miles southwest of Kanawha, Iowa. Here they continued to reside until 1920, when they retired from the farm, making their home in Kanawha. On August 23, 1936, his devoted wife was taken from his side by death. He however, maintained his home by employing Miss Hattie Schroeder as his housekeeper who continued her faithful services up to the time of his sudden departure. He was summoned from this earthly life July 1, 1943, at the age of 69 years, 7 months and 2 days.

Mr. Peters having resided in this community for many years was held in esteem by all who knew him. He was a loving and devoted father and grandfather and will be greatly missed in the family circle. With his wife he was a charter member of the local Christian Reformed church, where he continued his membership until the time of his demise, being faithful in attendance at the services and the employment of the sacraments, finding comfort in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, his Savior. He also rendered many years of faithful service to the church as deacon.

His departure is deeply mourned by his two children: John and Jennie (Mrs. Lawrence Johnson) of Kanawha: two grandchildren, Harry Duane Peters and Tena Lavon Johnson; three brothers, George of Edgerton, Minn., John of Parkersburg and Pete of Cutlerville, Mich,; four sisters, Mrs. Nellie Abbas of Aplington, Mrs. George Rops of Austinville, Mrs. M. Meinders of Aplington, and Mrs. Hattie Wunchell of Parkersburg, and other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were held on July 5 at 1:30 p.m. at the home and at 2 o'clock at the local Christian Reformed church, with Rev. D. H. Plesscher officiating. The following served as pallbearers Peter Luppen, Jr., Edward Assink, Fred Abbas, Dick Bunk, Herman Eekhoff and Albert Cooper. Interment was made in the Kanawha cemetery.