Wilson Henry Peters

Wilson Henry Peters of Rush Lake in Hartford passed away peacefully Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015, sitting in his favorite easy chair at American House in Charlevoix, Mich., surrounded by his loving family.

Wilson was born June 14, 1921, to Matilda (Schrieber) and Henry Marquis Peters at the family farm in Keeler. Wilson graduated from Benton Harbor High School in June 1940.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Wilson was drafted into the Army in January 1942. He was inducted at Fort Custer, Battle Creek. He served in the African-European Theater with the 168th Infantry Regiment of the 34th (Red Bull) Infantry Division. Wilson fought in five combat campaigns. He fought at Kasserine Pass in Tunisia, North Africa, from February 1943 until May 1943. His unit left North Africa during the summer of 1943. The 168th went ashore at Salerno, Italy, in September 1943. He would spend the next two years in Italy fighting from Mount Pantano, Monte Cassino, the beachhead at Anzio, Bologna, and the Po Valley. He served on the front lines in combat for more 500 days. His division suffered the greatest number of casualties in the European Theater, 21,362 casualties. Wilson was awarded two Bronze Stars for his meritorious actions during the Italian campaign from Sept. 9 1943, to May 2, 1945. His other awards were the World War II Victory Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Germany Clasp) and Good Conduct Medal.

He returned home in the fall of 1945 to work on his family farm and with Auto Specialties Co. in Benton Harbor until his retirement in 1986. He had a passion for farming, and upon his retirement he bought a small farm where he could grow vegetables to put on his kitchen table. He also loved animals, and nothing pleased him more than taking care of his horses, dogs and cats. In 1950 Wilson met and married the love of his life, Gloria May (Heater) Peters, and they were happily married for more than 65 years.

Wilson was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Ruth of California and Virginia of Edwardsburg; and brother, Clarence of South Bend. He is survived by his wife, Gloria; sons, Bruce (Terre) of Paw Paw and Gary (Renie) of Yuma, Ariz.; daughter, Shari (William) Kitchen of Boyne City, Mich.; his brother, Dwight (Althea) of Keeler; six grandchildren: Joey, Jason, Adam, Elizabeth, Alycia and Derek; five great-grandchildren: Anna May, Edwin, Nathan, Henry and Zachary; and many loving nieces and nephews. Wilson will be remembered for his kindness to all, his sweet and gentle manner, his laughter, and his love of family, friends and country.

Friends will meet at Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7, and, in keeping with Wilson's wishes, there will a graveside service at 11 a.m. at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma. Lunch and fellowship will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Hospice of Michigan or United Methodist Church of Hartford. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.