Gary Delray Peters was born August 4, 1939, at Mercy Hospital in Thief River Falls, to John and Selma (Holden) Peters. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Viking. Gary attended Viking School House through the 8th grade and attended Newfolden High School. For work as a youngster, Gary bagged, shoveled and tied sacks of potatoes.
On April 16, 1963, Gary was drafted into the Army. He worked as a Track Vehicle Technician and was decorated with the Marksman (Rifle M-14) Award. Gary was honorably discharged on April 2, 1965. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Gary worked at the Drayton Beet Plant for one year, and for Lakehead Pipeline for a short time. In 1968, Gary started at Arctic Cat where he worked as a Machinist. He retired from Artic Cat in July of 2014.
Gary was united in marriage to Rae Ann Olson and later to Sharyl Redden.
Gary lived on the Peters Family Farm throughout his entire life. He enjoyed working on the family farm, farming the land, and lending a hand to anybody who needed help.
Gary enjoyed deer hunting and the entire festivities surrounding it with many generations of family. They were know as “The Viking Bad Boys.” He braved through many fishing openers with his kids and grandkids. Gary also enjoyed ice fishing, holy boards, horseshoes at picnics, dancing, gardening and woodworking. He loved getting together with Chuck Swenson and anyone else who showed up to play cards every Sunday for over 45 years. In his last years, he enjoyed daily trips to town with his canine sidekick, Bud.
Gary was an active member of 4H, the Thief River Falls Bowling League, and a dart league at Carpenter’s Corner. In his younger years, he was the Viking Varmints softball team pitcher. Gary had a great sense of humor and was the best finger puller you’ve ever seen.
Gary treated everyone the same way no matter what. He was a jack-of-all-trades. Gary had no filter, telling you like it was, and was a genuine “old guy!”
Gary was the proud father of Chad (Shelly) Peters of Viking, Kris (Scott) Mostrom of Thief River Falls and Matthew (Lisa) Peters of Thief River Falls; grandchildren, Cody (Stephanie) Peters, Ayden, Maverick, and Stephie Peters, Kassidy and Kaden Mostrom, Bradly and Samuel Peters; great-grandsons, Azure and Kyzer Peters; siblings, Bonita “Bonnie” Alafouzos of Wausau, WI and Jerome (Cheryl) Peters of Viking; and sister-in-law, JoAnn Peters of Viking. Gary was also a proud stepfather to Jeff Redden of Crookston, and Jenny Redden of Newfolden, and their children and grandchildren, Tanya, Jerry, Lee, Austin, Amber and Rylyn; his canine sidekick, Bud; and many other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald Peters and Wayne Peters; sister-in-law, Fern Peters Bock; and brother-in-law, George Alafouzos.
Visitation was held on Monday, July 29, 2024, from 5–6:30 p.m. with a lunch served, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. The service to celebrate Gary’s life was held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 29, 2024, at Johnson Funeral Service with Pastor Ollie Urdahl officiating.
Burial followed at the Viking Cemetery. Military were provided by the American Legion Post 117, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2793 and the Minnesota Army National Guard Honor Guard.
Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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Gary Peters, 84
