Joseph W. Peters

– Joseph Walter Peters, beloved dad and grandpa, passed away in Missoula on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015, at the age of 87. Joe was born to Walter and Josephine (Potter) Peters on Jan. 5, 1928, in Deer Lodge County. He grew up in Anaconda with his only brother, Bud, and graduated from Anaconda High School.

Joe enlisted in the Navy in 1946 and began a life-long love for water and water sports. He served his country in Saipan and Guam, working as a mechanic on machinery and large vessels. He was honorably discharged and returned home to Montana to attend Montana State University. Engineering caught his attention and he attended for two years, earning a certificate as a draftsman. He was proud to be the first member of his family to attend college.

On May 21, 1953, Joe married the love of his life, Bonnie Chenoweth, in Culver City, California. They raised four children in East Missoula, where Joe lived out the remainder of his life. Joe was a family man who parented with a firm hand but was a soft touch. He was honest, amicable and easygoing. He showed great devotion to Bonnie and taught the whole family how to cherish your spouse and develop a great marriage.

Joe was a member of Local 28 of the Carpenters Union for 65 years, one of the longest memberships known. He worked with Hightower Construction and was involved in building numerous landmarks around Missoula, including the Southgate Mall, the movie theater and the pulp mill.

The East Missoula community benefitted from Joe's long-time service as a volunteer firefighter. He served 20 years with the East Missoula Rural Fire Department before retiring.

Joe was a craftsman, an art genius. For most of his life he created intricate, detailed wood carvings. He tried his hand at oil painting, created a kit car and then took to bigger tasks like building a boat. Family members are blessed to have a number of his carvings. The water spoke to Joe, and the family spent many summers on Flathead Lake camping in their RV and boat racing. For years Joe and Bonnie rafted down the Clark Fork, often with a cooler waiting on shore. An animal lover, he always had a dog by his side. Rosie was his last faithful companion.

Family who celebrate his life and cherish his memory include Dale Peters and Heidi Brewer Peters; Debbie and Rick Schultz and grandson Michael Campbell; Todd Peters and Melody Jeffries Peters and grandchildren, Kyle and Kaylee Peters; Tracy and Roy Addyman and granddaughter Jordan Cathey and her husband Ryan. The family is especially grateful to Natasha Stevens who gave loving and excellent care to Joe, treating him with kindness and making him laugh every day.

At Joe's request, there will be no formal memorial service. More fitting, next summer, his ashes will be spread at Flathead Lake and we'll toast a life well-lived.


Read Joseph Peters's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.