Clarence John Peters, 92 of Rice Lake, entered into the presence of the Lord and was reunited with his beloved wife, Nancy, on February 22nd, 2023. He passed away peacefully from this life on to his eternal home with family by his side. Clarence will be greatly missed by many as he was such a likeable man, a wonderful disciple of Jesus Christ, and his kindness knew few boundaries.

Clarence was born December 26th, 1930 to John and Marie Peters. He was raised in Mountain Lake, MN in a conservative Christian home. His parents were Mennonite, and he attended their church until he left home and entered the Army. Clarence served during the Korean War as a cook and was medically discharged. He didn’t have much to say about his time there, but we knew he disliked most of the foods that he had to prepare at that time. He always ate what was put in front of him and was grateful for it even if he disliked it. When Clarence and Nancy came out of the nursing home and into the home of their son and daughter-in-law, Angela made new house rules for them; no longer were they expected to eat anything they didn’t like or clean their plates if she filled it too full. Clarence was so set in his ways, that he was a tough nut to crack! Many times, Angela had to remind him of the “new” rules and that the family dog, Lily, would gladly take care of his leftovers. Many laughs were had around the kitchen table and Clarence was relieved to never have to eat tuna fish, tomato soup, powdered milk and eggs, SOS, and anything else that he disliked from his army days. His family loved to spoil him with sweets, candy, and ice cream until he passed away. He lived with family for his final 6 ½ years. He loved being home in his recliner and driving everyone crazy flipping through tv channels faster than a millennial hacker. Clarence could watch 4 different sporting events, Fox News, and Hee Haw all at the same time. His favorite things to watch were WWE type wrestling, M*A*S*H, and The Christian Worship Hour every Sunday morning. He also enjoyed doing word finds and visiting with company. Of course, pre-retirement, Clarence was a busy man.

Clarence attended Northwestern Bible College in Minneapolis after his time in the Army was completed. He made many friends there including his best friend and roommate, John Palutke, and especially his future bride, Nancy Staat. They were married in 1956 and had over 60 happy years together. Clarence worked for Billy Graham Ministries in Minneapolis before moving to Barron County to farm in 1962 with his wife and two small children, Diane and Doug. While farming, Clarence also did construction to support his family. Later, after the farm was sold, he would go on to be a bus driver for Cameron Schools and work at Jerome Foods in Barron for many years until his retirement. Many children, who are grandparents themselves now, loved and told Clarence or his family what a great bus driver he was for them. Always the humble man, he would smile and pshaw the praise.

Clarence’s most important job was being an unpaid servant of Christ and spent countless hours volunteering at his church of 61 years, Maranatha Evangelical Free Church in Rice Lake and Arrowhead Bible Camp. Clarence was usually the first one there and the last to leave. For special events, he set up and tore down tables and chairs. You would often see Clarence and Nancy greeting everyone for Sunday services. He did janitorial duties and shoveled snow. He and his wife attended every event they could including weddings, funerals, and baby showers for Church members. Clarence also went on mission trips to other counties using his skills as a carpenter and laborer. Clarence was one of the founding men of the Helping Hands Ministry, which assists elderly, disabled, or needy members with moving. Clarence’s own family received those helping hands when they moved in 2018 when they relocated to their current home.

Clarence Peters is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Douglas and Angela, granddaughter, Michelle, grandson, Raphael, step-granddaughter, Allyson, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy, his daughter, Diane, grandson, Sebatien, his siblings and their spouses; Ruby (Elmer), Dennis (Arbie), Arlene, and Darlene (DuWayne).

Funeral Service will be at Maranatha Evangelical Free Church in Rice Lake on Saturday, March 18th, 2023. Visitation is at 10 A.M. with service at 11 A.M. Military Honor Guard will be provided by members of the American Legion and VFW posts of Rice Lake. Lunch will follow at the church. Interment of cremains will be at the family’s cemetery in the spring. Both Clarence and Nancy will be interred there together.

Memorials preferred to family c/o Skinner Funeral Home or Maranatha Evangelical Free Church.

Last Update: Mar 01, 2023 7:38 pm CST