Kenneth Edwin Peter,age 95, of Randolph, Kansas, passed away peacefully at the Leonardville Nursing Home on Saturday, August 18, 2012. He was born April 13, 1917, on the family farm near Randolph, the son of Edwin and Helen Inskeep Peter.
He attended Heller School and later graduated from Randolph High School with the Class of 1935.
He married Maxine Hagenmaier on May 25, 1941 at the Randolph Methodist Church where he was a long time member. They lived on the family farm until 1960 when Tuttle Creek Dam was constructed, which caused the family to relocate to Hilltop Road where they built a new home. Kenneth and Maxine resided there until 2001 when they moved to a new home in Randolph. Kenneth enjoyed gardening and his collection of flowers. He was proud of flowers, garden and manicured lawn. He was active in the Randolph United Methodist Church and school activities. He was a avid sports fan of KSU sports, KC Chiefs, KC Royals and the grandchildren’s sporting events. Kenneth was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
He was chairman of the Building Committee when the new Methodist Church in Randolph was constructed. He taught Sunday school classes and for several years was the Sunday school superintendent. He also was trustee and member of the Administrative Board. He had served for 12 years on the Randolph Grade School Board. He was a member of the Riley Co. Farm Bureau and past president. He was an active member and past President of the Randolph Blue Valley Senior Citizens group. He served 9 years on the Leonardville Nursing Home Board. He served as clerk for 40 years on the Jackson Township Board. He was a member of the Farmers Masonic Lodge #166, the Wakefield Eastern Star Lodge and was a charter member of the Randolph Lions Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, William Peter.
He is survived by his wife, Maxine of the home, three sons, Ronald Peter and wife Ruby of Randolph, Kansas, Gary Peter and wife Judy of Manhattan, Kansas, and Duane Peter and wife Linda of Liberty, Missouri; one daughter, Diane Curtis and husband Allan of Lakewood, Colorado; ten grandchildren, Tamara Nickell and husband Shane, Rhonda Richter and husband Matt, James Peter and wife Jenny, Jason Peter and wife Betsy, Jody Fronce, Janelle Zimmer and husband Bryan, Sandra Ash and husband Jeff, Lori Birney and husband Eric, John Peter and wife Demetri, Carrie Anstine and husband David; 21 great grandchildren and a sister in law, Juanita Peter of Clay Center.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at the Randolph United Methodist Church in Randolph, Kansas, with Rev. Deborah A. Hanes-Nelson officiating. Music was furnished by Dorothy and Robert Spearow, and Betty Wohler. Pallbearers were James Peter, Jason Peter, John Peter, Bryan Zimmer, Eric Birney, Jeff Ash, Matt Richter and Shane Nickell. Burial was in the Randolph Fancy Creek Cemetery north of Randolph. The Holmes-Pfeifley Funeral Home of Riley, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.
A memorial has been established for the Randolph United Methodist Church.