Ralph H. Peters, Jr.

Ralph H. Peters Jr., age 90, of Quincy, died June 10th, 2022, at 10:37 a.m. in his home with his wife and all his children surrounding him. Ralph had been under Hospice care. He was born on May 20, 1932, in Quincy, the son of Ralph H. And Laura (Schreacke) Peters, Sr. Ralph married Barbara Bruening on Sept. 27th, 1952, in Quincy IL. She survives.

Ralph served in the United States Navy in San Diego, CA where he learned his trade of sheet metal work. On April 1, 1955, he co-founded Peters Heating and Air Co. where he worked until his retirement in 1987. He purchased the sheet metal business from Frank Peters for $1200. The local banks would not loan him the money, his brother Bill covered the loan and the business started as Peters Heating and Air Conditioning with his partner and cousin, Charlie Peters.

Ralph was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church his entire life and was very active in the parish and the choir.

In addition to his wife, Ralph is also survived by: 8 children Greg & Meg (Cox) Peters, Jeff and Amy (Landes) Peters, Steve and Cindy (Wellman) Peters, Sheri (Peters) Polignone and her husband Peter, Victoria (Peters) Miller and her husband James, Karen (Peters) Greenwell and her husband Doug, Kevin and Renea (Hinkamper) Peters, Tim Peters and his wife Kristie Swaim.
They have 32 grandchildren, 59 Great grandchildren, 1 Great Great grandchild. Siblings: Janice Bryant, Annie Killday, and Rosie Maguire. Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.

In addition to his parents, Ralph was also preceded in death by brothers, Norman, Ted, Wayne, Bill, and a sister Charlene Stupasky.

Ralph was extremely active in the community. His many groups and organizations include:
30-year member of Outdoor Resorts of America, and past president, the Boy Scouts of America, QND fathers and friends, the TEC, Marriage, and Engaged Encounter, Cursillo, was a past president and charter member of the Breakfast Optimist Club and helped organize the SoapBox Derby, a member of the Chaddock Board, the Great River Economic Development Foundation and the Quincy Boat Club where he was a past Commodore. Ralph also was voted “Boss of the Year” by the Quincy Chamber of Commerce.

Ralph and Barbara were the inspiration for the beginning of the Haiti Medical Mission in 2001. He was the 11th inductee into the Carrier Hall of Fame. He was also a private pilot.

Ralph had written his Memoir entitles ‘Full House’, the journey of his life, always finding the positive. He often did many motivational talks, not only to the family, but also churches, services clubs, and large organizations.

Ralph was a true optimist; God was the center of his life and family. He loved fishing with family and friends, was fond of living in Chokoloskee, Fl in the winter months. Ralph was well known for his jokes, at one time was known that when a friend laughed so hard, he fell from a bench and broke his leg.

Ralph was known to say, “super-good and getting better”. Ralph also loved working in his yard, garden, and flowers. He loved taking pictures, capturing the family moments. Ralph has a room dedicated to all his picture files, with old reel to reel films.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Interment in Calvary Cemetery with military rites conducted graveside by the U.S. Navy Honors Detail and the American Legion Post #37 Honors Detail. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 17, 2022, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Memorials may be made to the Haiti Mission or to Blessed Sacrament Church. The Mass will be live streamed on the Blessed Sacrament website: blessedsacrementqcy.org. On the website, choose menu and scroll down to Watch Mass and select Ralph Peters Funeral Mass. Service arrangements are with Duker & Haugh Funeral Home.
Messages may be shared online at www.dukerandhaugh.com.

30 Comments

  1. Bob and Krista freymond on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    Barb and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our family had the privilege of getting to know Ralph and Barb in Chokoloskee in 2015. He took a special interest in our children, We enjoyed many visits across the street! We grew to appreciate his compassion and his faith in our Saviour Jesus. We will always cherish the memories of our visits.
    Bob, Krista, Kate, Grace, Mary and Jared Freymond

  2. Kathy Kinney Koehler on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    So sorry to hear of Junie’s passing. So many great memories of the Ozark vacations at Lake View Beach. Condolences to the family.

  3. Zachary Johnson on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    Ralph was part of my life shortly after it began 38yrs ago. He and Barb were close friends with my parents through their participation in Marriage Encounter retreats. He always insisted that my sisters and I called him Uncle Ralph and he was more of an Uncle to me than any of my own. He always had a joke or story at the ready and an endless array of smiles and energy. He was simply a good man. I feel privileged to have known him and will miss him dearly.

  4. Carolyn Pond on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    Barb and family – I am so sorry about Ralph’s passing. He is resting in the arms of Jesus now. Praying for peace and comfort for you.

  5. Sandy Freiburg on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    Thinking of Ralph and Barb is like being Connected to my mom and dad and home in Quincy. I enjoyed Tec with you, Cursillio and many warm strong hugs from Ralph, I am praying for all of you. Love Sandy

  6. Jeff & Joanne (Powers) Bergman on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    Kevin, Karen & entire family our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. RIP

  7. Jeff Hollender on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    Barb & family, may Ralph now rest in the eternal peace of our Lord. You are in my prayers.

  8. Ron Kasparie on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    Thoughts and prayers are with your family.

  9. Bill and Nancy Cribbs on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    Prayers are with yo Barb and your family Ralph was without a doubt one of the finest human beings. I have ever known, he truly lived his faith and will be missed Bill & Nancy

  10. Don Benz on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    Steve, Barb and Family – I am sorry for your loss – I wish you peace

  11. Jeff R Kroeger on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    Sorry to hear of this. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

  12. Dottie Buckman on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    Prayers Barb and your family. Ralph will be missed very much in our community. Barb you and Ralph were the first people to welcome me into Blessed Sacrament. You both have always accepted me for me. I love you both very much. Ralph always made me smile. Barb I am sending you a big hug and my love.

  13. Diane Ericson Abbott on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    Dear Barb and Family, I’m sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. I’ll always remember the wonderful times we all had spending Sundays on Hogback and vacations at Lake of the Ozarks. I hope he and my folks are again enjoying “cocktail time” up in heaven.

  14. Rene Orr on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    Thoughts and prayers to all the family

  15. Doug and Joanie Kramer on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    Barb and family,
    Doug and I want to extend our love, prayers and deepest sympathy!
    Knowing Ralph from ORA was a blessing. He was a very enjoyable gentleman to visit with!!
    May our Heavenly Father grant you all comfort and peace during this time. Rest in Peace, Ralph!

  16. Michael McClain on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    Holy Mackerel……Talking about a person whose LIFE WAS WELL LIVED and was a truly very religious person with his Faith and Family the center of his universe. He did so many grand things that he is a model for all of us. One of my fondest memories of Ralph and Barb were them dancing together. They could cut up a rug! What a MAN. We are all BLESSED KNOWING HIM. Our prayers and thoughts are with his wife, children and spouses, 32 grandchildren and 59 great grandchildren!!!!!!!!!! God Bless you one and all……Mike and Cinda McClain

  17. Tom Arnold on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    Nothing I could say would ever be able to capture the spirit of Ralph. My condolences to the family and to Ralph “well done good and faithful servant”! Due to my commitments for the optimist club I will be unable to attend any event celebrating Ralph’s life. He will always be in my prayers.

  18. Lynn & Larry Graham on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    Our deep felt condolences to Barb and family. Our love sent your way.

  19. Jane Bozarth Peterson on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    I cannot think of snow skiing in Colorado without thinking of Ralph and Barb Peters. We had some wonderful times in the Great River Ski Club. I know the angels carried Ralph into Paradise. Rest In Peace my friend.

  20. Eileen Rawlings on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    Victoria, my thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Your father was a great guy I enjoyed helping out with his care..

  21. Donna and Jerry Gray on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    May you all find comfort in the amazing memories you made as a family. Love and prayers.

  22. Geralyn on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    Uncle Julie was a wonderful man who was loved by all. He will be greatly missed. All of our love to the family.

  23. Marsha & Al Truitt on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    Sorry for your loss. Prayers and hugs to family

  24. Tim and Michelle Gregoire on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    Ralph welcomed us into the ORA community and as he and Barbs neighbor and were very blessed to learn much about the fishing and lay of the land and became very good friends. Love hugs and prayers to Barb and the whole family

  25. Bill. Mast on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    Condolences to Barb and entire family. My buddy Ralph was a great man. Loved by all who knew him. I am am so very sorry I will not be able to attend visitation etc. due to my obligation to to the Soapbox event that weekend. He was a big important part of the Derby and would understand. Love ❤️ Bill

  26. Gary L. Blickhan, CPA on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    I will keep the family in my thoughts and prayers. Ralph and his family have positively impacted our community in countless ways.

  27. ANGELA K ALTHIDE on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    So sorry to hear this TIm & Kristie. Prayers to you and all your family.

  28. Rich Gaebek on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    Nancy and I give our prayers to you and all of the Peters Family. We have been watching and praying for you and Ralph. He is in heaven. He helped so many young people through TEC and Many people with Marriage Encounter. I was and is an Optimist I always admired with the Optimist Club. May God be With you Barb and the Peters Family

  29. Dale Unmisig on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    My condolences to you, Barb and your entire family. I’m sorry but I won’t be able to attend the services. Prayers for all of you.

  30. Jack Nevin on November 16, 2022 at 12:24 pm

    God Bless and Love you

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