Obituary for Gerald 'Jerry' Peters (Guest book)

Message from craig and barbara jorgensen

August 25, 2013 5:19 PM

At least I know our daughter will have good English skills and an understanding of History with you and Mr. Lonzo up there.

Message from Ketra Bolster

December 1, 2012 12:51 PM

Callie and I are so sorry for the loss of this awesome man. Callie grew up at Mainstreet theater and we will always remember him fondly.
Ketra and Callie Bolster

Message from Mary Donoghue Brueggen

December 1, 2012 1:31 AM

Dear Jackie,
I was so sorry to hear of Jerry''s terrible death. His obituary noted his great contributions to Michigan City.
Walker Street seems a very different place from the carefree, wonderful neighborhood where we all grew up.
Again, I am so sorry for your loss.
Your family will be in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Mary Donoghue Brueggen

Message from Mary Donoghue Brueggen

December 1, 2012 1:30 AM

Dear Jackie,
I was so sorry to hear of Jerry's terrible death. His obituary noted his great contributions to Michigan City.
Walker Street seems a very different place from the carefree, wonderful neighborhood where we all grew up.
Again, I am so sorry for your loss.
Your family will be in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Mary Donoghue Brueggen

Message from Phyllis Pajakowski Largey

November 17, 2012 7:34 AM

My association with Jerry was through the Indiana State Teachers Association. Jerry was an active participant in the activities of the Association. But much more than that, he was a wonderful person to be associated with. His calm, friendly way of treating all people was evident. He was truly a gentleman. You have my deepest sympathy and prayers.
Phyllis Largey

Message from Garry Marquiss

November 15, 2012 8:26 PM

Jerry, your contribution to the youth of Michigan City will be missed. You were a great teacher, a better leader and a truely good person. You provided inspiration to succeed and will be missed. Class of 1972.

Message from Jonathon Meyers

November 15, 2012 2:45 PM

I will miss Jerry a lot. I did plays at Mainstreet Theater through PNC. I would show up early and we would talk. He was kind man. A joker. He would even give me free ice cream from his shop. He guided me when setting up a stage and showed me the "easy way" of how to make a stage look good.
I got to see him a week prior to the tragedy, asking me if I was going to do any more plays. I told him no, but would stop by and visit him soon. Those were my last words and wish there was more.
I'm praying for him and his family.

Message from Lois Hendrick Thacker

November 15, 2012 12:43 PM

I am so glad Jerry and I got to chat for awhile at JCPenney just days before his tragic death. I did get to tell him how he is one of my favorite people and teachers in the whole world. He was my 11th grade English teacher. He helped me get 'back on track' when I was physically and emotionally affected from a car accident I had in 1972-alcohol consuming teenagers. He was buying a book for a loved family member-beer facts. I was lucky to get the chance to tell him thank-you. Remembering his words from 1972-as we all have heard.."Give it some Thought" or, "You BETTER give that some thought!" What a kind, honorable man. His generous and NEVER ending helping spirit will always be remembered. I despise the facts-of his death to say the least. He will be sadly missed.

Message from Ty Swindell

November 14, 2012 6:00 PM

I didn't know Mr. Peters at all, but to hear that people did this to such a nice man is heart breaking. I am praying for his family and friends. He seemed to be a kind loving man who was willing to help anyone out. RIP Mr. Peters

Message from Leann Donovan

November 14, 2012 3:34 PM

Jerry, you made The Canterbury Theatre feel like home to everyone that stepped on the stage or walked through the door. You were a dear man who will be sorely missed.

Message from Sharon Staback

November 14, 2012 10:23 AM

Rest in Peace Gerry, you will be missed by many.

Message from Diane Richards

November 14, 2012 10:19 AM

Jerry was my class sponsor (RHS ''79) and then he was a co-worker when I worked in the office at RHS. He epitomized the word gentleman not only by his words but also by his actions. When I would by chance encounter him around town he was always interested in catching up with me and things happening in my life. This is absolutley heartbreaking and I send my sincerest condolences to Jerry''s family and close friends.

Message from Kevin C Doler

November 14, 2012 9:43 AM

To Jerry Peters Family
I knew Jerry only in passing through our association in theater. I worked with 4th Street Theater in Chesterton, and Jerry really helped our organization get of the ground. Jerry always would do anything to help anyone, a truelly kind soul.

Message from Janice Much

November 14, 2012 9:30 AM

I am so sorry about losing Jerry. He was a wonderful man, always kind and thoughtful and such a major part of the success of Main Street Theater. I enjoyed the years of working with him. He will be missed.

Message from Big Bob Schultz Class of 73

November 13, 2012 11:41 PM

R.I.P. Mr "Jerry" Peters I will truly miss you smile.

Message from Juanita (Rozinski)Gulliver

November 13, 2012 11:40 PM

My sympathies to family and friends. Gerry was a high school friend and classmate. He will be missed by many. Rest in Peace, dear friend.

Message from The Sparks Family

November 13, 2012 10:43 PM

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Jerry will be remembered fondly by the Sparks family and by each person his life has touched.

Message from Chef Wendy Sigle

November 13, 2012 5:42 PM

My aunt Lorraine Sigle shared this news with me. I do remember meeting Jerry as a young child. He impressed me as a nice and gracious man. My condolences and thoughts are with you. I am the oldest daughter of Thomas "Mike"(deceased) and Alice (now Ray) Sigle. May you find some peace with this, though it may be difficult.

Message from Dr. Chris & Amy Moss

November 13, 2012 4:04 PM

I had the opportunity to have Mr. Peters in High School and work for him at the Caterbury Theatre...which is where I met my wife. Words cannot speak what you did and how you impacted so many lives! You will be missed!!!

Message from Jane O''Brien Mitchell

November 13, 2012 4:00 PM

My condolences to Mr. Peters family. I thank Mr. Peters for part of my education. He was a very nice and caring person. He is now an angel in heaven. RIH Mr. Peters you will be missed. Jane O'Brien Mitchell--class of 1975

Message from Class of 1973

November 13, 2012 2:47 PM

To our wonderful English teacher for the Class of 1973.

May God lead you to His Place, guide you with His grace, to a place where you are safe.

Thanks for all you have done for us and others.

Message from Miriam Hakim Ghabour

November 13, 2012 2:26 PM

Jerry was my high school teacher and my peer after I became a teacher myself. He was always helping those in need and did not deserve to come to such an end. Jerry also spent many hours at our house when I was young watching football on a Sunday afternoon and then staying for dinner. Those are the memories I will have of a good man. My prayers go to the Peters family.

Message from Pam Mallon

November 13, 2012 2:01 PM

Mr. "Jerry" Peters, was a fine man. He was our class sponsor in High School and was always there to help us out. He loved his community and the theatre. It is so sad his life had to come to an end like this. He will be missed by many.

Message from Maxine Schwartz

November 13, 2012 12:54 PM

Jerry has always been one of my special people that i have had in my life. He was always helpful and willing to see the other side of a situation even if he did not agree with you. It has been my pleasure to know and LOVE Jerry. I will miss him and all his HUGS,

God''s Blessing to you Jackie and family

Message from Sandi (Miller) Schlemmer

November 13, 2012 11:45 AM

Mr. Peters was my English teacher at Rogers (class of 1973). He was such a kind and caring teacher. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family during this very difficult time of his tragic death. He is now resting at peace in God's arms.

Message from Thomas Gabriele

November 13, 2012 11:37 AM

I remember how Jerry was a mentor to me and I value that memory.

Message from Lorraine Sigle

November 13, 2012 11:31 AM

Jackie, I''''m still trying to process this great loss. I envy all the people who had such close associations with him because he really was special. You may not remember me - we spoke briefly at your mother''''s funeral. I am Roy and Mable''''s daughter.

Message from Steven Peters

November 13, 2012 8:00 AM

Jackie- I am Lyle and Mary Helen Peters son. We will be praying for you during this difficult time.

Message from Steven and Valerie Peters

November 13, 2012 7:45 AM

Jackie- I am Lyle and Mary Helen Peters' son. Our family is saddened by this tragedy. We will be praying for you that the peace of the Almighty God will somehow comfort you in this difficult time. Words cannot express how sad we are.

Message from Angela Steele Bowers

November 13, 2012 2:52 AM

Mr. Peters gave me my first opportunity as an actor, which I continue to pursue with passion today. He was a good man and it breaks my heart to hear that he came to such a tragic end. Much love to him, his family, and those still in his circle of influence.

Message from Kathi Dean

November 13, 2012 12:57 AM

I am so sorry! Mr. Peters (I always called him that because I was in high school when he was a young teacher) was one of the kindest, most caring men I have ever known. When the teacher strike happened in 1986, I went off of maternity leave and became a striking teacher because Jerry thought it was the right thing to do. His death is such a great loss to our community!

Message from Bonnie Steinhagen

November 13, 2012 12:22 AM

My condolences to the family. Jerry was always pleasant to me when I saw him at the Credit Union. His exuberance and kind heart will be greatly missed.

Message from Sheri Hogan

November 12, 2012 11:04 PM

I can't imagine Michigan City, Mainstreet Theatre without Jerry. RIP good friend. Sheri and Bob Hogan

Message from robert caufield sr.

November 12, 2012 8:19 PM

jerry was the best english teacher i ever had he will definitly be missed and a blessing to the fine arts of theater

Message from Elston Class of 1970

November 12, 2012 7:36 PM

On behalf of the Elston Class of 1970, we would like to express our sincere sympathy in the loss of Mr. Peters. He was a wonderful person who did so much for so many. Our Class was honored to have him as one of our class sponsors.

The Elston Class of 1970 Class Reunion Committee

Message from Jennifer Bearickx

November 12, 2012 7:31 PM

Mr. Peters,
We were all blessed to have you as a teacher at Rogers. We will never forget how you cared for your students. Thank you for being so patient with us. I know we were a handful at times. You did not deserve to leave this world in this manner. Prayers with your family and friends...RIP.

Message from Stan & Donna Lowe

November 12, 2012 7:20 PM

We will truly miss a great friend and person. We are so glad we stopped this summer to visit with Jerry with our grandson. As he did with all children he spent as much time with our grandson as with us. Thank God for the opportunity to know Jerry.

Message from Dawn Choate

November 12, 2012 6:57 PM

I grew up in the Canterbury theatre and cannot imagine it without Jerry at the helm!!! He was an amazing man who gave of himself selflessly. He will be missed dearly!!! Rest in Paradise Jerry!!!

Message from Jenny Walden

November 12, 2012 5:20 PM

R.I.P Mr. Peters

Message from Gale Flanagan

November 12, 2012 4:21 PM

Jerry I remember when you, Arnold Besse and Ed Kiss would meet at Prince Gallery and brainstorm how to improve our town. You always had a kind smile and an encouraging word. Our town has lost a great man and I will miss you dearly.

Message from Crystal Moore Stupar

November 12, 2012 2:50 PM

Mr. Peters it was a privilege to know you and a honor to call you teacher. A beautiful soul is never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out for you and your family during this difficult time.

Message from Mandi Twining

November 12, 2012 2:06 PM

The entire community of Michigan City feels the loss of Mr. Peters. Even those who moved away will never forget his humor, intellect and compassion. My condolences to his family and close friends. You did not deserve your fate. God rest your soul. Your legacy will live on in others.

Message from Richard Fox (Classmate of Gerry''s from the Elston Class of 1961

November 12, 2012 1:32 PM

Gerry was a good and talented man. He added much to the community to make it a decent place to live, work and play. May God give rest to his soul.

Message from Bill & Pat Peck

November 12, 2012 1:13 PM

We are deeply saddend by the loss of Jerry. He was such an asset to the community. He always had time to stop and visit. Will miss seeing him.

Message from Kaye Kleinschmidt

November 12, 2012 9:34 AM

Mr. Peters lead by example. He did, he taught, he inspired. His smile and his presence is forever a fond part of my memories of high school. All of us lucky enough to have known him will take comfort in the fact we will some day be able to sit in his English class again. My sincere condolences to his family. He was one of the Good Guys and he will truly be missed.

Message from Michael Gonder

November 12, 2012 9:30 AM

R.I.P. Mr. Peters. You and your contributions to the art will be deeply missed.

Message from Bob Ream

November 12, 2012 9:25 AM

Rest in Paradise my friend.................

Message from Lila Hakim

November 12, 2012 9:16 AM

Jackie,
It is so hard to believe that Jerry is gone and at the hands of someone he was trying to help. I saw Jerry recently and we were planning to get together for lunch soon. He spent many Sunday afternoons and Monday evenings in my home with my late husband watching football and having dinner. He will be missed by our community and his many friends. May he rest in peace. May God help you get through this difficult time.

Message from Keith & Debbie Rigterink

November 12, 2012 8:31 AM

Debbie worked for Jerry for the past 3 summers. He was a caring person and a
great man to work with. We will miss him greatly. God bless him and his family.

Message from Donna Kavanagh

November 12, 2012 8:14 AM

It is very hard to process the loss of Jerry Peters....he touched so many people not only here but around the country, actors and theatrical people who knew him, his work, and his inclusion of them in the theatre community. He had a great sense of humor and a gentle way about him that made people respond to him in a positive way.
I wish only good memories for his grieving family and friends knowing that he left many people better in his wake
Blessings
Donna Kavanagh (Canterbury alum...Mainstreet supporter)

Message from Bonnie J. Peters Miller

November 12, 2012 7:06 AM

Dear Jackee, Prayers and the knowledge that Jerry will be with God and his family in Heaven to comfort you. Jerry will be sorely missed!

Message from Jim Clevenger

November 11, 2012 7:06 PM

Heartbreaking! Loss to all who knew Jerry. Sad day for Mich. City, the Association, MCAS and all his former students. We lost a good friend and supporter. We last talked in June at the high school teachers reunion and promised to meet for lunch. Sadden that now we can not meet. I will always remember the many hours we worked over the years to negotiate teacher contracts. Rest in peace...

Message from Robert Dolph

November 11, 2012 9:33 AM

So sorry to hear this he was such a great teacher. Always enjoyed his smile. Rest in peace.

Message from Rick Whitlow

November 11, 2012 5:59 AM

So sorry to hear about the death of Mr. Peters. I did not know him well, but I knew of his many contributions to Michigan City. He will be missed.

Message from Tom Boese

November 11, 2012 4:18 AM

Jerry: I always remember the good times we had in High School while under your watch and teaching. I will always remember you for your dedication to your students and the great MENTOR you were. I may have never thanked you for this, but Thank You for stopping by my 76 Graduation Party and celebrating with my friends and family. You truly will be missed by many people. God Bless You Jerry. Rest in Peace in the Hands of the Lord, God almighty. Someday I'll probably be in one of your classes again.

Message from Larry Brown and Martha Maust

November 10, 2012 11:15 PM

Gerry was a very caring man and worked tirelessly for the theater. My thoughts are with his family, but we will do our best to keep his spirit alive in Michigan City through the talent that is developed and refined at the Canterbury Theater.

Message from Brandon Zale

November 10, 2012 10:21 PM

What a huge loss this will be for the town of Michigan City, and a tragic, unfortunate end to a good man''''''''''''''''s life. He truly believed in that theatre, and I''''''''''''''''m honored to have worked for him there. He was a kind, generous, and funny man who welcomed me into the Canterbury family with open arms. We''''''''''''''''ll miss you Jerry. Condolences to the Peters family.

Message from Sue Copeland and Marjorie Gondeck

November 10, 2012 8:03 PM

Words cannot express our sadness in the loss of our good friend, Jerry. Our condolences to his sister, his family, and his dear friends. The world will not be the same without him. He shall truly be missed and thought of often. May he Rest in Peace.

Message from Jerry Logmann

November 10, 2012 7:09 PM

Jerry was always helpful to me when I was with the MCAS. He helped me also with tickets to some special events at the Mainstreet Theatre. I will miss him. This is a sad day for all who knew him. He will be missed by all.

Message from Dan Marrero

November 10, 2012 6:28 PM

Jerry was a good, good man and his passing is a great loss to all who knew him. The legions of young actors who got their start at Canterbury and/or Mainstreet Theatre will forever remember him, and their success will serve as a small testament to the great work he did. He is gone to soon and already truly missed.

Message from Janice Haack Behler

November 10, 2012 2:54 PM

Dear Jackie,
Your loss is heartbreaking. Bob and I are thinking of you and sharing your sadness.
Sincerely,
Janice Haack Behler

Gerald "Jerry" Peters