Howard Nevin Peters
passed away at home on May 28, 2020.
Howard was born on
June 29, 1938 in Hazleton, PA, to Dr. Howard Eugene and Verna Catherine
(Miller) Peters, who preceded him in death.
He was also
preceded in death by his brother, Norman Eugene Peters.
On August 24, 1963
in Yonkers, NY, he married his life's companion Judith (Griessel) Peters.
Together they raised two loving children, Nevin Edward (wife MaryBeth Milas)
Peters and Elisabeth Anne Peters Prescott (husband Courtney).
Howard graduated
from Hazleton High School and earned his B.A. at Gettysburg College,
Gettysburg, PA. He received a National Defense Education Act Fellowship for
graduate study at the University of Colorado, Boulder where he earned a Ph.D
in Comparative Literature.
In 1965 Howard and
Judith moved to Valparaiso, IN, to teach at Valparaiso University. Howard
taught Spanish language and literature, creating unique ways for his
students to grasp the ins and outs of Spanish grammar, and inspiring them to
delve deeply into Spanish literature. During his time at VU Howard served in
various administrative positions, including Director of the Graduate
Division and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, before returning to
his first love, the classroom, where he completed his thirty years of
dedication to VU.
Howard's area of
research and publication was Spanish drama, which took him frequently to
Spain, which became like a second home. He traveled there extensively, just
recently completing his dream of journeying bit by bit around the entire
periphery of the country. His book of philosophical poetry, "Espejo de Son"
("Mirror of Sound") was published in Madrid in 1997.
Howard loved to
sing, and his beautiful tenor voice graced his high school quartet, the
Gettysburg College Choir, and for many years the choir of Bethlehem Lutheran
Church in Chesterton, where he was a long-time member.
Watching baseball
was a favorite pastime, and Howard was a life-long dedicated Pittsburgh
Pirates fan through thick and thin (mostly thin). He loved to work outdoors
on his property, trimming, mowing, digging, planting, and then relaxing and
enjoying the view. But no enjoyment compared with time spent with his two
special grandchildren, Miller and Augusten Peters, playing baseball, going
on expeditions, and working together in the yard. He also gave thanks daily
for his two devoted children, Elisabeth and Nevin.
Together Howard and
Judith enjoyed traveling, and were privileged to visit many countries in
Europe, Africa and Latin American, as well as exploring many of the wonders
of the USA.
Howard's smile
could, and did, brighten anyone's day and he will be sorely missed by fellow
church members, colleagues, friends near and far, and by his family.
A private family
burial service will be held, and, at a future date, a celebration of life
service.
Memorials may be
made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 2050W 1100N, Chesterton IN 46304 or to
Kids Alive International, 2507 Cumberland Drive, PO Box 2117, Valparaiso,
IN, 46384.
Professional
arrangements are entrusted to the White-Love Funeral Home, Chesterton, IN.