JOHN JACOB PETERS

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JOHN JACOB PETERS April 20, 1920 - October 21, 2012 On October 21, 2012, at the age of 92, John Peters peacefully and confidently departed for his eternal home, from St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg. He was born in Krasnovka (in modern-day Ukraine), April 20, 1920. When he was five his family immigrated to Canada. Like his father and four siblings, he took up the profession of teaching. In 1957 he took his family to Germany, where, as a missionary, he combined his profession with his passion for others to know God's love by developing and promoting Christian education, training thousands of leaders, teachers, and pastors. In 1974, after years of suffering from cancer, John's wife Amanda passed away. He later married his second wife, Doreen, and then in 1982 returned to Canada where he continued to work in multiple capacities with his mission, Janz Team Ministries, until 2001, as well as being an active member of the Gideons. John was characterized by his unshakable faith in God, and his genuine kindness and concern for others, as seen by the many, many lives he touched and inspired. He was known as a man of steadfastness, commitment, prayer, courage, and charisma. Both in his profession and leisure time, he pursued his love of art, which took many forms, including industrial arts, painting, theater, poetry, chalk art, and woodwork. John was predeceased by his infant son Robert John and his first wife Amanda. He is survived by his wife Doreen; sons Jim (Bonny), Rob (Ev), Phil (Tammy), John Paul (Vanessa); grandchildren Jason (Amanda), Jonathan (Yolanda), Chris (Lana), Amanda, Michael, Alexander, Katherine, and Rainer, and great-grandchildren Jesse and Samantha. John's send-off celebration will be held on Monday, October 29, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at McIvor Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church (200 McIvor Ave., Winnipeg). There will be an opportunity for viewing as of 10:00 a.m. A luncheon and brief reception will follow. The burial will take place at the Heritage Cemetery in Steinbach that afternoon. Those who desire may make donations to TeachBeyond (formerly Janz Team Ministries) at 2121 Henderson Hwy., Winnipeg, MB R2G 1P8. www.teachbeyond.org Condolences may be sent to the family at www.birchwoodfuneralchapel.com Arrangements by BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 27, 2012