Funeral Services for Dale Chester Peters, age 87, of Worthington, MN, were held Friday, November 30, 2018, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Worthington, MN with Rev. Galen Smith officiating. Burial, with military rites, was in the Worthington Cemetery. He passed away on Monday, November 26, 2018, at his residence at Ecumen Meadows in Worthington, MN. Dale was born on February 22, 1931, in Sibley, IA, the son of Chester and Agatha (Thies) Peters. He married Donna Heig on September 21, 1952, in Worthington, MN. Donna passed away on November 3, 2007.
Dale moved with his parents from Sibley, IA to California in 1936 and came to Worthington, MN, in 1938. He attended and graduated from Worthington High School in 1950. Dale participated in football and track and after graduating continued to attend the high school athletic events in wrestling, basketball, football, and hockey for many years. He was also honored by being elected to the Worthington High School Hall of Fame.
While in high school and until entering the US Air Force in 1952, Dale had his own gravel and blacktopping business. He entered the US Air Force in January of 1952 and served for four years with time in Japan. After his return to Worthington he enrolled at Worthington Community College and then was hired as an Officer on the Worthington City Police Department from March of 1956 to December of 1966 when he ran for Nobles County Sheriff on a “Write-In” ballot and won! Dale was Sheriff from January 1, 1967 – January 1, 1995 – 28 years. Dale enjoyed serving the people of Nobles County.
Dale was a member of Kiwanis for 28 years, member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, President of the SW Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, and President of the Minnesota State Sheriff’s Association from 1986 – 1987. Upon retirement from the Sheriff’s Office, Dale was able to spend all of his time raising, breaking, and training his own Thoroughbred horses which he ran in South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota. He loved to travel especially to the Thoroughbred horse sales in California, Kentucky, and Florida with his wife.
Dale is survived by his daughter, Barbara Cook, Sioux Falls, SD; grandsons, Ben (Amanda) Cook and Nick (Megan) Cook, Sioux Falls, SD; five great granddaughters, Gracelynn, Madelyn, Carlee, Mycha, and Claudia; niece, Terrie Williams; nephew, Tim Jungers; grand-nephews and nieces; cousins, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; his parents; sister, Donna, and niece, Tammie Swenson.
Benson Funeral Home in Worthington, MN was in charge of the arrangements.
