A private memorial service will be held at at 3:00PM on Friday January 14, 2022. Interment prior to the service at Westridge Memorial Gardens at 11:00AM. Public viewing will be from 1PM-8PM on Thursday at Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler. Donations may be made in Dennis' memory to Pembina Valley BIble Camp
Dennis William Peters
1956 ~ 2022With deep sadness we mourn the loss of beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother uncle and friend of many, Dennis William Peters, age 65 years. He was carried to his heavenly mansion by the angels, on Thursday January 6, 2022 at 5 pm. His sudden passing at home, came as a shock, despite his struggle with terminal brain cancer the last 20 months.
He is survived by his wife, Amanda (nee Loewen), 1 daughter, Melissa (Brian) Degelder and 3 sons, Joseph (Jerilynn) Daniel (Miranda), Tim (Jamie) Peters; 14 grandchildren Kelsey, Hannah, Chloe, Reece Degelder, Katelyn, Luke, Caleb, Micah Peters, Owen, Evelyn, Ethan Peters, Silas, Leeland and Cambria Peters; his parents, Bill and Dora Peters, 1 brother Laverne (MaryJane) Peters, 3 sisters - Norma (David) Wallace, Joan (Darrel) Heide, Karen (Rob) Wiebe, sister / brother in laws Elsie Dueck, Luella (Jake) Giesbrecht, Paul (Melody) Loewen, and Naomi (Lawrence) Dueck, plus many nieces and nephews.
It was a stormy winter day on March 31, 1956 that Dennis entered this world. Most of his life was lived on the soil of section 27-3-4west; 3 ½ miles north of Winkler. His telephone introduction was usually “Hello, this is Dennis Peters from North of Winkler.” His earlier years of education was received at the Rosenbach country school just half a mile north across the field from his home. He completed his Elementary School years at the Winkler Elementary School and then his high school diploma at GVC. He always regretted not having received a higher education but he read many cattle magazines and farm related books which certainly helped his farming practices In the summer of 1979, he met Mandy for the first time. From that very first meeting, he felt comfortable being in her presence and so took courage to ask her to a “Blue Bomber’s Game”. Despite the fact that Mandy was totally ignorant about the game and he had to constantly answer her questions, despite receiving a speeding ticket while driving home that night and then realizing his date had locked herself out of her apartment, the relationship continued. Well, I guess now you know the rest of the story. Dennis and Mandy were married on October 4, 1980. In that same year, Dennis decided to quit his job at Hometown in Winkler and start farming full-time. As a young boy, growing up on the farm together with his grandfather and father, he became naturally attached to this lifestyle. He was always fond of animals…especially the cattle. He treated his 4-H calf as a pet. He would lie down beside her in the pen; dreaming of having his very own herd someday. His dream came true. Being a patient man, he was well suited to take care of his cows. He rarely got flustered and never drove his cattle hard. The chores were always done before he himself came in to eat. He spent many hours just observing the animals, all the while thinking of how he could improve things. He understood their personalities and because of his peaceful nature, the cattle trusted him. He also had favourites and sometimes it was hard for him to part with those. Farming certainly had it’s challenges. Drought, low grain prices and high interest rates in the 80’s, BSE from 2003 - 2010 and high land prices following that, almost broke him. It was difficult not to give up, but his faith in God never wavered. Miracles reflecting God’s faithfulness kept him going. It was particularly exciting for him to be able to farm together with his sons and then to be able to pass it on to them. Added to the business of farm life was the blessing of having a family. Dennis loved children and tried to be involved in their lives as much as possible. There were times when he was willing to stop the combine in order to attend a horse / cattle show so he could watch his children perform. On most winters, he made an ice rink or cleared the creek ice in order to play hockey with the kids and their friends. Dennis always enjoyed sports - specifically hockey, baseball and curling. In his earlier years he played on a mixed slow pitch team for the Bethel Hospital, hardball and baseball for the Winkler SOX. A dream came true for him when he was accepted to play slow pitch baseball for the Rock Lakers. It was a great disappointment for him when he realized he was no longer able to do so on account of his illness. His curling interest began in high school and continued on for several competitive years until family and farming pressures took priority. He particularly enjoyed playing third for Hank Klassen’s team and later curling with his sons. Dennis played recreational hockey from 2000 to 2020. Once again, this opened the door for him to meet and become friends with many wonderful people. One cannot conclude this obituary without the mention of Dennis’s faith journey. He accepted Jesus into his life at age 16 at a crusade held at the Winkler Elementary School. A year later on June 10, 1973 he was baptized and became a member of the Bergthaler Mennonite Church. He continued to grow in his Faith as he took part in the church youth program and prayed for God’s direction regarding his future. His desire to attend Bible School was never fulfilled but he studied God’s word in order to find answers for life’s complex questions. When his son Tim attended Bethany Bible College, he and Mandy had the opportunity to take a weeklong course, on the book of Mark, taught by professor Tim Geddert. This was a highlight for him. In an effort to pass his faith on to his children, summer camp became important for the family. This was reflected in his involvement with Pembina Valley Bible Camp. He served on the board and also spent time working at the camp. He loved God and strove to follow His ways the best he knew how. For him this also meant leading in daily family devotions and a commitment to the church. He was an usher and taught Sunday School for many years. He particularly enjoyed being involved in several church dramas, especially the WMBC Easter drama where he played the role of Nicodemus. To him the empty tomb was the most important part of the story. He understood that “Because He (Jesus) lives we too shall live.” John 14:19. Right now, in the presence of Jesus, Dennis is more alive than ever before. To God be the Glory.
Donations in memory of Dennis Peters may be made to the Pembina Valley Bible Camp. Thank you
Dennis William Peters
1956 ~ 2022With deep sadness we mourn the loss of beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother uncle and friend of many, Dennis William Peters, age 65 years. He was carried to his heavenly mansion by the angels, on Thursday January 6, 2022 at 5 pm. His sudden passing at home, came as a shock, despite his struggle with terminal brain cancer the last 20 months.
He is survived by his wife, Amanda (nee Loewen), 1 daughter, Melissa (Brian) Degelder and 3 sons, Joseph (Jerilynn) Daniel (Miranda), Tim (Jamie) Peters; 14 grandchildren Kelsey, Hannah, Chloe, Reece Degelder, Katelyn, Luke, Caleb, Micah Peters, Owen, Evelyn, Ethan Peters, Silas, Leeland and Cambria Peters; his parents, Bill and Dora Peters, 1 brother Laverne (MaryJane) Peters, 3 sisters - Norma (David) Wallace, Joan (Darrel) Heide, Karen (Rob) Wiebe, sister / brother in laws Elsie Dueck, Luella (Jake) Giesbrecht, Paul (Melody) Loewen, and Naomi (Lawrence) Dueck, plus many nieces and nephews.
It was a stormy winter day on March 31, 1956 that Dennis entered this world. Most of his life was lived on the soil of section 27-3-4west; 3 ½ miles north of Winkler. His telephone introduction was usually “Hello, this is Dennis Peters from North of Winkler.” His earlier years of education was received at the Rosenbach country school just half a mile north across the field from his home. He completed his Elementary School years at the Winkler Elementary School and then his high school diploma at GVC. He always regretted not having received a higher education but he read many cattle magazines and farm related books which certainly helped his farming practices In the summer of 1979, he met Mandy for the first time. From that very first meeting, he felt comfortable being in her presence and so took courage to ask her to a “Blue Bomber’s Game”. Despite the fact that Mandy was totally ignorant about the game and he had to constantly answer her questions, despite receiving a speeding ticket while driving home that night and then realizing his date had locked herself out of her apartment, the relationship continued. Well, I guess now you know the rest of the story. Dennis and Mandy were married on October 4, 1980. In that same year, Dennis decided to quit his job at Hometown in Winkler and start farming full-time. As a young boy, growing up on the farm together with his grandfather and father, he became naturally attached to this lifestyle. He was always fond of animals…especially the cattle. He treated his 4-H calf as a pet. He would lie down beside her in the pen; dreaming of having his very own herd someday. His dream came true. Being a patient man, he was well suited to take care of his cows. He rarely got flustered and never drove his cattle hard. The chores were always done before he himself came in to eat. He spent many hours just observing the animals, all the while thinking of how he could improve things. He understood their personalities and because of his peaceful nature, the cattle trusted him. He also had favourites and sometimes it was hard for him to part with those. Farming certainly had it’s challenges. Drought, low grain prices and high interest rates in the 80’s, BSE from 2003 - 2010 and high land prices following that, almost broke him. It was difficult not to give up, but his faith in God never wavered. Miracles reflecting God’s faithfulness kept him going. It was particularly exciting for him to be able to farm together with his sons and then to be able to pass it on to them. Added to the business of farm life was the blessing of having a family. Dennis loved children and tried to be involved in their lives as much as possible. There were times when he was willing to stop the combine in order to attend a horse / cattle show so he could watch his children perform. On most winters, he made an ice rink or cleared the creek ice in order to play hockey with the kids and their friends. Dennis always enjoyed sports - specifically hockey, baseball and curling. In his earlier years he played on a mixed slow pitch team for the Bethel Hospital, hardball and baseball for the Winkler SOX. A dream came true for him when he was accepted to play slow pitch baseball for the Rock Lakers. It was a great disappointment for him when he realized he was no longer able to do so on account of his illness. His curling interest began in high school and continued on for several competitive years until family and farming pressures took priority. He particularly enjoyed playing third for Hank Klassen’s team and later curling with his sons. Dennis played recreational hockey from 2000 to 2020. Once again, this opened the door for him to meet and become friends with many wonderful people. One cannot conclude this obituary without the mention of Dennis’s faith journey. He accepted Jesus into his life at age 16 at a crusade held at the Winkler Elementary School. A year later on June 10, 1973 he was baptized and became a member of the Bergthaler Mennonite Church. He continued to grow in his Faith as he took part in the church youth program and prayed for God’s direction regarding his future. His desire to attend Bible School was never fulfilled but he studied God’s word in order to find answers for life’s complex questions. When his son Tim attended Bethany Bible College, he and Mandy had the opportunity to take a weeklong course, on the book of Mark, taught by professor Tim Geddert. This was a highlight for him. In an effort to pass his faith on to his children, summer camp became important for the family. This was reflected in his involvement with Pembina Valley Bible Camp. He served on the board and also spent time working at the camp. He loved God and strove to follow His ways the best he knew how. For him this also meant leading in daily family devotions and a commitment to the church. He was an usher and taught Sunday School for many years. He particularly enjoyed being involved in several church dramas, especially the WMBC Easter drama where he played the role of Nicodemus. To him the empty tomb was the most important part of the story. He understood that “Because He (Jesus) lives we too shall live.” John 14:19. Right now, in the presence of Jesus, Dennis is more alive than ever before. To God be the Glory.
Donations in memory of Dennis Peters may be made to the Pembina Valley Bible Camp. Thank you