Richard “Rick” James Peters

July 8, 1970 - November 11, 2022

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Greenlawn Funeral Home East

3540 East Seminole

Springfield, MO 65809

(417) 887-6565 |

Tuesday 11/22, 11:00 am

Richard James Peters, age 52, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on Friday, November 11, 2022. Rick was born to Richard and Clara Peters on July 8, 1970, in West Allis, Wisconsin.

Upon graduating from Tippecanoe High School in Tipp City, Ohio, he attended The Ohio State University’s College of Engineering, specializing in Welding Engineering, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1994. In 2006, he acquired his MBA from the University of Iowa.

Rick was employed as a factory manager by the Durham Company in Lebanon, Missouri. He previously worked for the John Deere Company at various locations around the Midwest as an engineer and manager in the Constructions and Forestry division, including an expatriate assignment in Richards Bay, South Africa.

Rick enjoyed cheering on his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes, especially football. He was also an avid hockey fan, coaching and attending his sons’ youth hockey and college games every weekend during the hockey season. Rick also found great satisfaction completing home and garden projects, including a treehouse for his family. His greatest pleasure was derived from spending time with and providing for his family.

Rick is survived by his wife of 26 years, Karen Carver Peters; children, William Bentley Peters, 18, Anna Sophia Peters, 16, and Andrew Jameson Peters, 14; parents Richard and Clara Peters of Naples, Florida; siblings Joseph (Lisa) Peters of Louisville, Kentucky; Susan (Keith) Wulber of Naples, Florida; John (Susan) Peters of Fort Meyers, Florida, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service for Rick on Tuesday, November 22, at 11:00 a.m. at Greenlawn Funeral Home East, 3540 E. Seminole, Springfield, Missouri. Luncheon will be provided afterwards.

Many of our friends and family have inquired about where to send donations. Anyone who wishes to make a memorial donation in Rick’s honor can contribute either via Venmo to @Karen-Peters-78, or by sending a check in c/o Karen Peters to Gloria Deo Academy 3146 S. Golden Ave, Springfield, MO 65807. All contributions will go to Rick’s children’s 529 college savings plans.

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Tuesday 11/22, 11:00 am

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Richard James Peters, age 52, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on Friday, November 11, 2022. Rick was born to Richard and Clara Peters on July 8, 1970, in West Allis, Wisconsin. Upon graduating from Tippecanoe High School in Tipp City, Ohio, he attended The Ohio State University’s College of Engineering, specializing in Welding Engineering, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1994. In
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You are good man Rick, thank you for your friendship. You will be greatly missed.. Rest in peace my friend

Rick worked for my small welding company while at Ohio State, we worked hard and laughed harder. We stayed in contact over almost 30 years, talking about his, the changes, sports and always about his family. For the last 6 years or so when he came back to Ohio he would bring the kids and we would go to lunch. Rick would talk about each one with such pride, I was always impressed with their manners and how polite they were to the waiters. I will miss the calls and the lunches, I don’t know what happened, but I am certain, Rick loved his family a tremendous amount. I will always miss my friend.

My deepest condolences to Rick’s family and friends.

Dear Peters Family, I am so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing, a few former Deere friends were just talking about him a few weeks ago. I worked with Rick at John Deere when he came up to the Woodstock, Ontario division. We spent a lot of time in meetings together and on road trips to suppliers. One of best times was crossing into the US together from Canada and the boarder crossing agent gave us such a hard time and wanted our advice on selling his CAT stock and buying Deere stock. We eventually got through after convincing him to buy a John Deere lawnmower. We sure did laugh a lot about that one. I see from some other messages left that Rick continued to have fun on business trips. He was a great person to work with and a big loss. My most sincere condolences, Cindy Bryson

In memory of Richard “Rick” James Peters, John Day lit a candle

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends during this time.

In memory of Richard “Rick” James Peters, Verena Eckstein lit a candle

I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Peters Family for their loss. Some years ago, I worked with Rick when he was leading the Reman Supply Management Organization and he also had responsibility for the team in Germany. The time we spend during business trips and spare time were filled with interesting conversations and he was very supportive to the team, leading “development work” to build a Supply Management organization in Europe. He was an inspiring leader and a great person to work with. My thoughts are with you.

In memory of Richard “Rick” James Peters, Kristy Sweitzer lit a candle

In memory of Richard “Rick” James Peters, Florian lit a candle

Dear Karen, William, Anna and Andrew, Hereby I would like to send my sincere condolences. I had the pleasure to work with your husband and Dad for several years. As my manager we spent much time together. Not only in hundreds of phone calls between Springfield and Bruchsal, Germany. But also, during common business trips across Europe. He taught me a lot, not only about business, but also about life. And I still recall a few stories where we had great times together. Independent if it was his arrival in Germany w/o language on a Sunday evening. Where we had to buy him shirts in the airport and the saleswoman tried to squeeze him into tapered ones, way too small. Or a joint trip to Hungary during the time of the European Championships. Were we spent many evenings watching soccer and every evening Rick became more familiar with all rules of the game. These stories and moments will stay in my memories. Rest in peace.

My deepest condolences for the loss Rick. I reported to Rick for many years when he had responsibility for Supply Management at Reman. He was a great boss and he also became a great friend during that time. We had many laughs while he was in town, he always loved talking about what the kids were up to. Rick was very well liked by the team in Edmonton and will be missed.

My sincerest condolences to The Peters Family. I had the honor working with Rick for a short time here at The Durham Company. As I got to know him better over the year I always found myself thinking, It would be a lot cooler if he cheered on Alabama instead Ohio. I found myself bickering with Rick a lot. Kind of like an old married couple, but nothing ever harmful. Rick brought a new machine to the company, which ended up being his baby, and I the key component to getting it up and going. so with that, Ricks baby.. but my machine. (this is why we went back and fourth lol) I cant count how many days Rick would come out to the shop floor to see how his baby was doing... and if he didn't I almost found myself offended and would hunt him down to see how he was doing. Rick would push me to be a better operator. He made me a better operator and pushed me to Program more and more on the machine. I may not have understood it then, but I do now. It is hard not seeing him here. Even when rick got mad I don't think his voice ever got above a whispering of a life time. Rick was very supportive when my son was born and for that I will forever be grateful. I'm happy Rick got to meet him. Our son brought a big smile to his face. He was loved by many, and we all miss him.

Rick you had such a kind heart. You will be missed. Prayers for the family.

So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Susie and I are very sorry for your loss. Rick was a great friend and we had many happy times together while he was here in LaCrosse.

Love you big guy

I just saw this and am so sorry for this loss. Rick was a good friend and co-worker once upon a time. I spent many great times with Rick. I always think fondly of the time I spent with Rick and Karen in South Africa. Rick was a great father and husband to a beautiful family. I know his spirit will carry on in them all, but he will be missed. All my love, Alan

I am very sorry for your loss. Susan.

Rick was a wonderful manager, truly cared about his employees, and he will be greatly missed by all of us here. Prayers to his family.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Rick's family. He will be missed by his friends at Penmac. -Matt & Amanda

Rick was a great friend. He will be missed.

We are so sorry for the loss of Rick. He was our boss at Durham in Houston. For the time he was here he made a great impact on our factory. He was trying very hard to make things better for for the employees here. He had a very kind heart . We will miss him dearly. Our condolences to his family and friends.

Heartbroken.

Rick was a great guy, friend and worker. He will be sorely missed by me and our family. We have lots of precious memories of working and playing together during three years of assignment in South Africa. Karen, we don’t know what happened, but it happened too soon, you have our condolences. You are a forever friend, great wife and mom.

I am so sorry for your loss! We are praying the Lord will wrap His comforting arms around you and your whole family.

Rick was a great friend and person. We’ll always remember fondly the times we had together in Dubuque during family gatherings, weekend outings, backyard fires, boating and snowmobiling. He will be greatly missed. The world was a better place with him in it. Rest in peace our friend. Thoughts and prayers are plentiful for Karen, Will, Anna and Drew.

I knew Rick from John Deere Reman. He was an outstanding manager and a pleasure to work for. He always worked to improve the working conditions for the employees and would go out of his way to wish you a happy birthday on your birthday. We shared a lot of laughs, a true gentleman.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.

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Richard “Rick” James Peters