Benton Harley Peters, 93

Benton Harley Peters, age 93, of Aplington, Iowa, was born the son of William Wesley and Lillian Rosalie (Lindaman) Peters on March 19, 1930, in Parkersburg, Iowa.  He attended Eleanor Country School and graduated from Aplington High School in 1948. He started farming with his father north of Aplington. On January 7, 1952, Benton was inducted into the United States Army.  He served in Korea in the 25^th Infantry Division, 69^th Field Artillery Battery.  He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two bronze Campaign Stars, the United Nations Service Medal and the Overseas Service Bar.  On October 6, 1953, Benton was honorably discharged. After leaving the service, Benton returned to farming with his father.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

On August 27, 1956, Benton was united in marriage with Miriam Ruth Heitland at the Bethel Reformed Church in rural Aplington.  The couple made their home north of Aplington for two years and then moved to his current farm south of Aplington. Along with raising crops, Benton milked cows for a short time, raised cattle, and feeder hogs. He retired from farming in 1996.

Benton was an active member of Bethel Reformed Church, where he served as deacon and elder.  Benton and Miriam enjoyed bringing the recorded church service tapes to the shut-ins.  In the fall of 1966, Benton, Miriam and their children made a confession of faith, were baptized and joined the church together.  Benton was a member of the Aplington AMVETS.  He loved to read, was well read, had an amazing vocabulary and was a great storyteller.  He was a good listener and could carry on a conversation with anyone. Benton was Harlan’s home boy.

On Wednesday, June 28, 2023, Benton died at Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo, Iowa.  Benton was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Miriam, a granddaughter, Lillian Jade Peters; his parents, William and Lillian Peters; two sisters, Barbara (Tom) White; and infant sister, Jenny Lou Peters; and one sister-in-law, Audrey Peters.

Benton is survived by one daughter, Brenda (Daniel) Buseman of Waterloo; two sons, Randall (Gail) Peters of Wellsburg, and Harlan Peters of Aplington; five grandchildren, Mandy (Will) McCord, Cassie Peters, David (Praewwanid) Buseman, Rebecca Buseman and Justin (Veronica) Peters; seven great-grandchildren, Mersadies, Morgan, George, Charlotte, Olivia,  Kal and Cooper; one brother, William Stewart Peters of Aplington and several nieces and nephews.

Benton’s funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, July 3, 2023, at Bethel Reformed Church in rural Aplington, Iowa.  Mr. Dale Akkerman officiated the service.   Grace Barter was the accompanist, and the congregation sang “How Great Thou Art”, “There Shall Be Showers of Blessing”, “Amazing Grace” and “Because He Lives”.  Benton’s daughter, Brenda Buseman, read the obituary.  Military rites were conducted by Aplington AMVETS Post 102.  The burial was held at Bethel Reformed Church Cemetery in rural Aplington, with David Buseman, Rebecca Buseman, Mandy McCord, Will McCord, Cassie Peters and Brian Wolff serving as Casketbearers.

Visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, at the Redman Funeral & Cremation Services – Aplington Chapel in Aplington, and one hour before services at the church.  Memorials may be directed to Bethel Reformed Church, Cedar Valley Hospice or the Northeast Iowa Food Bank.  Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com