Louie Joseph Peters, 91, of Turlock, died on June 12. Louie was born in Pescadero, Calif. to Manuel and Bazelina Peters. He trained for a year as a professional ballroom dancer by the famous Arthur Murray Dance Studio in the 1940s. Latin ballroom dance was Louie’s forte. Louie and his wife of 59 years, Alta, were ballroom dancers and members of the Modesto Ballroom and the VFW.
He was a proud Army veteran, serving five years in the Cook Islands during WW II as a rifle and carbine marksman. He grew up living and working the Peters Farm in Crows Landing, Calif., later owning his own farm in Hilmar with his wife Alta. He moved to Turlock in the late 1950s and was one of first men to go on strike several times in order to bring the union into Patterson Frozen Foods, where he was a proud union worker.
As a democrat his liberal ideas were admired by many. His letters to the White House were answered by several presidents, among his most treasured letters were from President Kennedy and President Clinton. His political ideas and passion for equal rights are passed down through his children and grandsons. He filled his last years with great pride in watching his grandson Julian attend UC Berkeley and grandson Heath, a pianist, perform at the Gallo Center.
He is survived by his wife, Alta Peters; his children, Rachel Rojas (Martin) of Turlock, Ronald Peters (Diane) of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho and Christine Peters ( Dan Parsons) of Groveland; grandchildren, Julian Rojas and Heath Rojas of Turlock; brother, Tony Peters of Rio Linda, Calif.; and sister, Lena Peters of Patterson. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Roy Peters and John Peters.
Visitation will start at 11 a.m., and recitation of the Rosary is set to begin at 7 p.m., on Tuesday, June 21 at Allen Mortuary. A veteran’s committal service will start at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22 at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Turlock High School Band, In memory of Louie J. Peters, 1600 East Canal Dr., Turlock, CA 95380.
