Jack Peters, 82, of Sarasota, formerly of Kenosha, died October 17, 2008, following a long illness, with his loving wife, Pat, at his side. In 1944, as a teenager fresh out of high school, Jack enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.  He had 21 years of service in the Marines, both on active duty and in the reserves, retiring in 1969 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  During World War II he served in the Pacific Theater and China, and in 1952 served in Korea, where he received the Purple Heart.  After his World War II discharge, he attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., graduating from the Medill School of Journalism in just three years.

Well-known in the Kenosha community, he was employed by the Kenosha News, retiring in 1987 as the retail advertising manager.  Having two sons in scouting, he was active with the local Boy Scouts, assisting in many field trips and fundraisers.  In his late 30s, he became interested in the game of golf.  He took lessons and practiced for a year before going out on the course to actually play.  With his determination, he eventually became quite a good golfer, having a handicap of only seven when he moved to Sarasota in 1987.  He enjoyed about 15 more years of golf before his illness forced him to quit.  An avid reader, he also made beautiful stained glass things and sailed remote controlled sailboats, belonging to the Sarasota Model Yacht Club for several years.  He had been a resident of Life Care Center of Sarasota since September 2006, where he was known by all the residents and employees for his pleasant, non-complaining attitude, his great sense of humor and, most of all, his "million-dollar smile."

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Pat; sons, Jeffrey (Lynn) Peters of Slidell, LA, and Scott (Janice) Peters of Madison, WI; and four grandchildren, Alexandra, Emily, Sean and Matthew Peters.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur J. and Florence (Kingsley) Peters, and his stepson, Thomas Haubrich.

A memorial mass was celebrated on November 15, 2008 at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church.

Published in Herald Tribune on November 12, 2008