Ernst Peters
Ernst Gus Peters, 97, passed away peacefully Feb. 13, 2024.
Services were Feb. 15 at St John’s Lutheran Church in Hamilton with Pastor Aaron Kalbas officiating. Interment was in Oakwood Cemetery.
Ernst was born March 8, 1926, to Albert Peters Sr. and Clara Siems Peters.
He graduated valedictorian from Shive School.
Ernst farmed and ranched on the same land that his Grandfather Peters bought in 1906 and moved his family to in January 1907 in the Shive Community of Hamilton County.
He lived on the farm and ranch all his life except when he proudly served America in World War II. He was honorably discharged as a Technician Fourth Grade, 5th Calvary Reconnaissance Troop, June 29, 1946.
Ernst was a faithful servant of the Lord. He was baptized and confirmed in St Paul Lutheran Church in Shive. When St Paul closed its doors, he joined St John’s Lutheran.
Ernst married the love of his life, Lola Roe Peters, March 25, 1955. He became father to Lola’s children Duane DeMello and Alanda DeMello, and to their union was born Steven Peters in 1956.
Ernst and Lola were self-sufficient on the farm raising cattle, sheep, chickens and pigs, in the early years. Ernst won a Farmer of the Year Award in 1962 from Bomer Harris for proper use of rangeland and first place in the county hay shows more than once.
He always grew a large prolific vegetable garden.
After Lola passed away, Ernst continued his gardening and loved sharing the bounty with all.
One of their greatest joys on the weekends after a hard week of work was to attend community dances inside and outside of Hamilton County. They enjoyed many different dance steps and were always the best waltzers on the dance floor.
Ernst loved to fish, and he raised catfish and loved to share fish fry meals.
In his last years, he began playing dominoes with friends and neighbors an activity he enjoyed very much. His loyal domino players would meet at his home.
Ernst was preceded in death by his loving wife Lola, sons Duane DeMello and Steven Peters, his parents and his siblings, Alfred, Albert Jr., Ella and infant sister Maria.
Surviving Ernst is daughter Alanda Hatch and husband Danny, their children David and wife Cordie Hatch and Lauren Motwani and husband David; great-grandchildren Anderson, and Julianna Hatch and Hannah, Evelyn and Jack Motwani; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Pallbearers were nephews Larry Mitchell and Lynn Mitchell as well as Pete Mc-Dougal, Mike Bosse, Robert Reich and Scott Walters.
RILEY FUNERAL HOME
