On August 12, 2021, CAPT Bernard Peters, 99, completed his earthly duties and reported to the Heavenly Father.  Bernie was born on March 23, 1922 in Milwaukee, WI.  His wife Mary Ann and son Joseph (Joey) predeceased him.  We know they are united and having a most joyous reunion.

Bernie was married over 70 years to the love of his life – Mary Ann, who he affectionately called “Sweetie”.  Bernie and Mary Ann were childhood sweethearts and married on June 27, 1945.  With loving hearts, together they raised a wonderful family of 9 children.  Left to cherish Bernie’s memory are his 8 surviving children: Suzanne Gibson (Pete), Diana Peters Partin, James Peters (Sharon), Patricia Black (Bill), Cathleen Short (Steve), Jane Potter, Jean Graham (Kenny) and John Peters; and 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. 

In 1940, Bernie enlisted in the United States Navy and became a “hard-hat” diver.  In 1942, he was admitted to the United States Naval Academy and graduated in 1945.  Due to war circumstances, he was a classmate of the class of 1946.  As a commissioned officer, Bernie spent the majority of his career in the submarine service.  As a LCDR, he was the Commanding Officer of the USS Sirago (SS-485) and years later was the Commodore of Submarine Squadron 6.  CAPT Peters was also the Commanding Officer of the USS Rigel (AF-58).  In 1974, CAPT Peters retired from the Navy with 30+ years of dedicated service.

After retirement from the Navy, Bernie earned a Master of Business Administration and taught accounting for many years at Tidewater Community College.  Bernie was an avid football fan and ardent supporter and shareholder of the Green Bay Packers.  His game day cheer was “Go Packers”!

To our dear Dad, we will always admire and love you.  You will be greatly missed and forever leave a void in our hearts.  A celebration of life will be private.  

It was Dad’s wish to have his and Mom’s ashes taken out by a Navy ship to be eternally committed to the sea.  Beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather may you have fair winds and following seas!