Terrance “Terry” Peters

Terry Peters, age 61, died unexpectedly on Monday, July 10, 2017, at his home near Wall.

 

Terry was born on July 26, 1955, in Mitchell, S.D., to Duane and Patricia Peters. He was raised on a farm in White Lake, S.D., until the age of 15 when his parents moved to Wall and purchased the Best Western Plains Motel.

 

Terry graduated from Wall High School and attended college at SDSU, graduating in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture. He worked at Production Credit Association in Bloomfield, Neb., and later transferred to the Rapid City office. It was there that he met the love of his life, Susie Arbach, and they were married on November 15, 1980 in Hoven, S.D. 

 

Terry was the owner-operator of the family owned Best Western Motels in Wall and Hill City for 35 years. He was also the owner of Peters Farm Partnership in eastern S.D. since 1993 and dearly loved his farmstead, north of Wall. 

 

Terry believed in supporting his community and achieved many personal goals. He served on the Wall Fire Department for 21 years. He was also a past member of the Jack Rabbit Stampede, Wall Hospitality Association, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Council, Wall Clinic Board, Black Hills Badlands and Lake Board, District II Best Western Governor, Greater Wall Foundation Board, Wall City Council and Wall Chamber of Commerce. In 2016, he was elected as a Director for West River Electric.

 

Terry cherished his wife and children and considered their friends family. He especially looked forward to his buddy’s attending safety meetings after work at his shop. He liked nothing better than to be outdoors, working in his shop, hunting and reloading shells. Many came to test out his special shooting range. He always had a four legged companion at his side. Terry loved to read and could really “cut a rug” on the dance floor.

 

Terry served as a mentor in many areas to children and young adults throughout the community. One of Terry’s mottos in life was “Work hard today so you can play hard later.” In lieu of flowers the Terry Peters “Work Hard Today, Play Hard Later” memorial scholarship will be established. This scholarship will be rewarded to a graduating senior at Wall High School who demonstrates strong work ethic in the community throughout their years of high school. 

 

Survivors include his wife, Susie “Sue” Peters of Wall; two children, Talon Peters and his fiance Brittney Hammen of Fargo, N.D., and Kelsey Barber and her husband Kyle of Wellington, Colo.; two brothers, Doug Peters and his wife Anita of Hill City, and Jeff Peters and his wife Pam of Hartford; two sisters, Jackie Heathershaw and her husband Pat of Wall, and Nicole Hall and her husband Mike of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; several nieces and nephews; mother-in-law, Irene Arbach of Rapid City; and a host of other relatives and friends.

 

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Duane and Patricia “Pat” Peters; and a sister in infancy.

 

A rosary service was held on Friday, July 14, 2017 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Wall.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, July 14, 2017 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Wall.

Private family inurnment took place at Terry's farm.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 211, Wall, SD 57790.