Jurgen Peters

JURGEN CURT PETERS, age 87, of Waseca, passed away on Sunday, August 20, 2023 in Waseca.

Jurgen was born on September 22, 1935, in Neunkirkensar, Germany to Hubert and Henrietta (Dielke) Peters. At 6 months of age, Jurgen and his parents immigrated from Germany to the United States, settling in Waupaca County, Wisconsin. He began his education at Sheridan Country School and graduated in 1953 from Waupaca High School in Waupaca, Wisconsin. Jurgen furthered his education at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, being awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1957. Several years later, Jurgen was awarded his Masters Degree in Agricultural Education from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in 1967.  While attending the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Jurgen met Penelope Tinkham and they were united in marriage on March 15, 1957, in Waukegan, Illinois. Jurgen and Penny began their life together in Goodhue, Minnesota where Jurgen taught High School Vocational Ag. For a few years, he went on to work in the Turkey Industry in Rochester before moving to Waseca in 1962, where Jurgen and Penny called home and raised their family of five boys. Together they shared 40 years of marriage before Penny passed away on October 30, 1997. On May 27, 2000, Jurgen was united in marriage to Jaqueline Mettler at Farm American in Waseca, and they shared the past 23 years together.  

Jurgen served the Waseca community in many capacities. Mainly as ag teacher for Waseca High School, which he did for 30 years before retiring in 1992. He also was an extension educator for the University of Minnesota in Waseca for several years following his retirement from teaching. In addition to his career, Jurgen will be remembered by the several community organizations he was a part of over the past 61 years in Waseca.

Throughout his life, Jurgen was continually educating and a mentor to many. He was a student of all American wars, conservation  and politics. Jurgen was generous and giving of his time, always willing to help anyone. He enjoyed trout fishing, splitting wood, and spending time outdoors, tending to his garden, and his various animals on the farm. He is remembered by his family as a kind, caring and thoughtful man that was bigger than life and could put a smile on anyone’s face just by his presence. Family was very important to Jurgen and he cherished them deeply.  He lived every day to the fullest and will be thought of fondly as a champion of life learning and community service. Blessed be his memory.

Jurgen is survived by his loving wife, Jackie Peters; sons: David (Deb) of Northfield, Thomas (Lori) of Oregon, IL, Charles (Diane) Peters of Lonsdale, Benjamin (Amy) Peters of Normal, IL, and Jon (Shelly) Peters of Wales, WI; 11 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; step-children: Anzanette (Jess) Brandt, Jason Kramer, Jarrod (Deb) Kramer, Allyz (Bart) Polacsek; 10 step grandchildren; 9 step great grandchildren; sister-in-law Marilyn Larson and many friends.

Preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Penny; brother-in-law Jerry Larson; an infant daughter; stepmother, Irma Peters.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at the State Street Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service.

Private family services will be held.

Memorials are preferred to the Jurgen Peters Scholarship Fund, Sacred Heart Catholic School or donors’ choice.