Ernest 'Ernie' Peters, 79, formerly of Hutchinson, died May 27, 2019, at Kansas Veterans Home, Winfield. He was born March 11, 1940, in Hutchinson, to Claus K. and Martha (Klassen) Peters.

Ernie received his GED while in the United States Army. He later graduated from Hutchinson Community College. Ernie served in the United States Army for over 20 years, retiring as a First Sergeant. For two years, he served in the Color Guard at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Ernie later worked for the City of Hutchinson as Superintendent of the Water Department for 15 years. He was a lifelong bowler, and a former member of Grace Episcopal Church, Hutchinson.

On March 23, 1963, he married Alvina Frog in Fort Riley.

Ernie is survived by: his wife of 56 years, Alvina; daughter, Gayla Peters Rizzo, both of Goddard; son, Ernest Fredric Peters (Caroline) of Erie; grandsons, Jon Anthony Rizzo of Leavenworth, Andrew Patrick Rizzo of Wichita, twin grandsons, Trey Ernest and Jacob Daniel Peters, both of Erie; sister, Esther Postier of Hutchinson; brother, Abe Peters (Ellen) of Greensburg; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and nine brothers and sisters.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at Elliott Chapel, with the Reverend Dr. J. Ted Blakley officiating. Burial will follow in North Inman Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard. Friends may call from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to Reno County Veterans' Memorial, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.