James Edward Peters

James E Peters “Jim” 84, passed away at home on December 7, 2015. He was “Papa”to so many and loved each one of them unconditionally. He was an amazing man who lived an amazing life and we are so incredibly blessed to have had him with us for as long as we did. He will be greatly missed by everyone whose life he touched. He was a special, kind and hard-working man. We will hold in our hearts all the wonderful memories we have with him.

Born on August 26, 1931 in St. Paul, Minnesota. He attended St. Bernard’s grade school in Cologne, MN, and graduated Central High School in Norwood, MN. He was raised in Cologne, MN where he met his high school sweetheart, Ethel Sauter. He was a wonderful and loving husband for 63 years. Together they raised four beautiful daughters: LuAnn McArdell (Mike), Lani Grone (Scott), Lori Ribar (Brad) and Lynn Meadows. Jim is also survived by his sister, Jackolyn Hunt (Chris), 11 grandchildren; Sean McArdell (Mindy), Norah McArdell (Jason Gohr), Brian Grone (Stefanie Byrne), Brent Grone (Ashley), Brandon Grone (Tina), Libby Huettl (Joe), Matthew Ribar (Erin), Sarah Ribar, Zackary Meadows (Amanda), Ryan Meadows (Andrea) and Landon Meadows. 13 great-grandchildren: Connor, Kiera, Daegan and Brinn McArdell; Reid, Mia and baby girl Grone, Bailey and Addison Huettl, Kaitlyn and Brad Ribar, Grayson Meadows and Ryleigh Meadows, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Peters and his mother, Margaret (Meuwissen) Weber.

Jim was a sausage maker by trade. He worked for his family business, Peters Meat Products, in Saint Paul, MN, until it was sold. In 1972, he moved to Green Bay, WI to work for Reimer Meat Products. In 1977 he moved to Chetek, WI, working for Bavarian Meister. In 1980, Jim and Ethel settled in Mesa, AZ, working for Stone Meats until his retirement in 1996. His Peters Hot Dog stands, at the Minnesota State Fair, were a highlight of his life, along with the Cheese Curd stand at the Carver County fair. As co-owner of Loret Foods, he enjoyed participating in over 40 events each summer with their Cheese Curd Trailers.

Jim was an avid golfer and made many friends over the years while being a member of Mendakota Country Club in W. St. Paul MN; Oneida Country Club in Green Bay, WI; Mesa Country Club in Mesa, AZ and Leisure World Golf Course, in Mesa, AZ. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. For over 70 years he enjoyed involvement at the MN State Fair and was the recipient of the 50 year award. He was a member of the Midwest Showmen’s Assoc. and also a lifetime member of the MN Street Rods Assoc. He was a Shriner with the Osman Temple. He enjoyed his involvement with the St. Paul Winter Carnival and was Prince of the South Wind in 1969. He was proud to be an avid fan and stockholder of the Green Bay Packers.

A Memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, December 26th, 2015 at 4pm in the Rec #1 Ballroom at Leisure World in Mesa AZ. There will also be services, at 11 am on Monday, January 18th, 2016, at the First Presbyterian Church of South St. Paul, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Minnesota State Fair Foundation or the Midwest Showman’s Foundation.