Wilbert Peetz

Wilbert R. Peetz, 83, of Jackson passed away Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Sept. 23, 1924, in the Tilsit community, son of the late Edwin A. and Emelie Voges Peetz. He and Dorothy L. Winkler were married Oct. 5, 1947, at Christ Lutheran Church in Gordonville. She survives.

Wilbert attended Tilsit Grade School and Gordonville High School. He was confirmed at St. James evangelical Church in Tilsit.

He was inducted into the U.S. Army in December 1944, serving in the infantry two years and stationed in the Philippines. He was honorably discharged from service in November 1946 at the rank of Staff Sergeant.

After his service he attended Vo-Tech to study agriculture. In 1947 he began a career in carpentry working in new home construction for 40 years. He also farmed west of Gordonville from 1947 to 1995 and raised Angus cattle. He was a member of American Legion Post 158 in Jackson for over 50 years, served as Boy Scout Leader and was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Gordonville since their marriage, where he severed as an officer for many years. In 1996, Dorothy and he moved to Jackson after the sale of their family farm. Wilbert enjoyed duck and goose hunting, along with traveling.

Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, a son Darryl (Joy) Peetz of Shawneetown; a daughter Janie (Walter) Roth of Indianapolis; a brother Junior Peetz of Jackson; three sisters, Ruby Sander, Helen Moll and Bernice Overbeck; three grandchildren, Claire, Christian and Joshua; two great grandchildren, Isaac and Jacob.

He was preceded in death by two brothers and a grandson.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson and after 9 a.m. Tuesday at Christ Lutheran Church in Gordonville. There will be an American Legion Service at 7 p.m. today.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Christ Lutheran Church in Gordonville, with the Rev. Gary Hoffstetter officiating. Interment will follow in Christ Lutheran Cemetery in Gordonville, with full military honors.

Memorials maybe made to Christ Lutheran Building Fund in Gordonville. Sympathy messages may be sent to www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.