Obituary: Allen M. "Al" Peters

Allen M. "Al" Peters, December 27, 1936 - June 16, 2022. Al was born and grew up in West Bend, the second son of Carl and Evelyn (Perschbacher) Peters.

During his high school years, Al was a 3 sport athlete, participating in basketball, football and track. He graduated from West Bend High School in 1955 and continued his studies and basketball career at Ripon College where he was named captain of the basketball team during his final year as a Redmen. He was also a member of the Phi Kappa Pi Merriman Fraternity. Al graduated from Ripon College in 1959 and shortly after married the former Barbara Sonnenberg on August 22, 1959.

Following this, Al taught Biology and physical education, along with coaching basketball and baseball for 3 years at Bowler High School. In 1963, he took a job opportunity in Reedsville. Al and Barb were welcomed instantly by this tight-knit and caring community. During his teaching career at Reedsville High, he taught Biology, Advanced Biology, and Physical Education. Additionally, he was given the opportunity to be the head boys basketball coach for 16 years, assistant football coach for 31 years and athletic director for 32 years.

In recognition of his coaching, he was honored as the Northeastern Wisconsin Basketball coach of the year in 1976. Other honors included coaching in Wisconsin's first All-Star basketball game in Madison, receiving the Northeastern Wisconsin Basketball Award and being inducted into the Lakeshore All-Sports Hall of fame in 1982 and the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1987.

Al retired from teaching and coaching in 1998, but continued to show his pride for the community of Reedsville. He enjoyed following the successes and keeping tabs on his former students and athletes. Along with showing support to past students, he was blessed with the opportunity to begin “Al’s Alumni Classic”. This annual event continues to raise money and give a scholarship to a Reedsville High school student athlete who is going on to college. During “Al’s Alumni Classic” in 2018, Al was humbled by the announcement that the Reedsville High gymnasium would be named after him. This further cemented the unwavering pride he felt being a part of this community.

Outside of teaching and coaching, Al enjoyed spending time with his loving wife of 62 years, kids, grandkids and great-granddaughter. He was a devoted grandfather who truly cared about his grandchildren and what was happening in their lives. He lovingly had nicknames for each grandkid, and (many others in his life!), and would light up when they came to visit. He enjoyed annual trips in July to Door County with the whole family that included swimming, laughter and drinks by the pool, family tennis tournaments, and golf. As he got older, his golf game started to diminish, but his intense desire to win did not. He frequently partook in 2 on 2 scrambles and somehow always landed a partner with the strongest golf skills. He also never shied away from the bantering that took place after he and his golf partner won. Friends and family can attest to his quick wit and clever jests that were his way of showing his love. In addition to spending time with family and friends during his retirement, Al was appointed as a member of the Board of Directors for the Denmark State Bank from 1998 to 2008.

Up until his death, he could be seen walking around the town of Reedsville, talking to friends and keeping up to date on the happenings of the community that he loved so much. In “classic Al-like” fashion, he did not go out without putting up a fight and gifted his family with a court-side view and perfect example of what it means to have a “can do'' attitude.

Al is survived by his wife, Barbara, and their five children: Kim (Dan) Haese, Wrightstown; Linda (Scott) Spletter, Kansasville; Steve (Lisa) Peters, Oshkosh; Jill Curtis, De Pere; Bill (Renee) Peters, Tucson, AZ. Also surviving are eight grandchildren: Aaron Meulemans, Tyler (Julie) Meulemans, Rachel (Don) Pluta, Kearsten Peters, Carley (Tyler) Peters-Huettenrauch, Cal Peters, Haley Bey and Connor Bey. In addition, he is survived by his great-granddaughter Josie Meulemans and another great grandchild who is due in September.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Evelyn Peters, his brother and sister- in-law, John and Dolores Peters, his granddaughter, Bridget Peters, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lester and Dorothy Sonnenberg, two sisters-in-law, Nancy (DuWayne) Simon and Janis (Jerry) Haessly, former athletes, fraternity brothers and many other close family and friends.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, June 22nd at Holy Family Catholic Church, Brillion, with entombment in the Knollwood Chapel Mausoleum, Hwy. 310, Manitowoc.

Online condolences may be sent to the Peters family by visiting www.dejamartin.com.

Al’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the compassionate staff in Medical Surgical Unit 1 and Intensive Care Unit 3 at Aurora BayCare in Green Bay. Each of you cared for Al with such genuine kindness. Special thanks also to the caregivers of Aurora at Home Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Kathy’s House, 9101 W Doyne Avenue, Milwaukee, WI53226.

Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels of Two Rivers is assisting the Peters family with funeral arrangements.