Martin Peters Obituary

Lt. Col. Ret. Martin Edward William Peters was born December 23, 1932 in Guttenberg, Iowa, to Rev. Martin and Mabel (Vogel) Peters. Martin graduated high school in Paulina, Iowa. Following high school he attended Valparaiso University for two years. He then joined the Air Force and became a fighter pilot. After two years he returned to Valparaiso and graduated with a double degree in Electrical Engineering and Business. Upon completion of his degrees, he returned to the Air Force and was stationed in many interesting locations. He loved serving his country either flying or doing radar evaluation. While in the Air Force, he received multiple medals and awards for his distinguished service. On December 27, 1968 he was united in marriage to Birdene Rehnstrom, also from Iowa. They adopted three lovely children from Korea-Jennifer Jost in Colorado Springs, Christopher Peters in Busan, South Korea, and Heidi Peters in Beziers, France. Martin retired from the Air Force on October 31st, 1981, while stationed at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. Shortly after retiring, he received a degree in Computer Sciences and a minor in Music from Weber St. College. In addition to his multiple degrees, he was very active in Toast Masters for many years and had reached the top (gold) level. After moving to Colorado Springs, he worked for Computer Sciences for five years. He was very active in church at Immanuel Lutheran, Colorado Springs for the past 30 years. Martin's love of playing the organ from a young age carried on throughout his life. He was instrumental in organizing the organ renovation at the church as well as installing the sound system. He also loved to sing in the choir and on occasion played the organ for church services. In addition, at times he served as the V.P. and President of the congregation. Preceding him in death are his parents and a sister. Surviving relatives are his wife Birdene, children Jennifer Jost, Chris and Minji Peters, and Heidi Peters and Teddy Ricoul; four grandchildren, Nina, Phoebe, Martin and Kayden. Also surviving him are two sisters; Ester and Duane Guadian from Iowa and Naomi and Gunny Brocki from New York. He also has many nieces and nephews. Viewing will be from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Swan Law Funeral Directors on Friday, July 26th and a celebration service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church at 10:00am on Saturday, July 27th. A light lunch will be served at the church following the service. Interment will be at Ft. Logan Cemetery, Denver, Colorado, on Tuesday, July 30 at 1:30pm . Donations may be made to The American Cancer Society.