John V. Peters

Pastor John V. Peters
John V. Peters, 87, of Macungie, passed away Sunday, December 6, 2009 in his home. Born in Newton, PA, he was the son of the late William J. and Iva B. (Keehn) Peters. John was the husband of Mary D. Peters with whom he celebrated 62 years of marriage in May, 2009. He was a 1940 graduate of Northeast High School, Philadelphia and went on to graduate from Albright College in 1944 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Upon completion of his degree, John went on to the Philadelphia Seminary and graduated in 1947 with a Bachelor of Divinity Degree and a Masters of Sacred Theology Degree. He began his pastoral career at Gethsemane Church, Keyport, NJ. and remained there until 1949. He was chaplain with the Army and serviced in Korea in the Airborne Division until 1952. After serving his country honorably, John was the Pastor of Trinity Memorial Lutheran Church, Catasauqua until 1957. He began an Associate and then Senior Pastor at St. Peters Lutheran Church, Bethlehem until 1970. During his tenure there he was District Dean from 1966-1968. For the next two years, John served at St. Johns in Honesdale. From 1972 until his retirement in 1987, he served as South Mountain Parish Allentown (St. Andrews and Jerusalem congregations). During his retirement, John served interim pastorates at St. Marks, Allentown; Christ Lutheran, Hellertown; and St. Johns, Fullerton. From 1990 to 2000, he served as the assisting pastor at St. Lukes Lutheran Church, Allentown. Survivors: In addition to his wife, Mary, he is survived by sons, Randall J. and wife Dawn of Allentown, Jeffrey R. and wife Patricia of Salisbury Township, Mark S. and wife Juanita of Upper Macungie Township; daughter, MaryBeth Peters of Emmaus; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one brother; six sisters. He was predeceased by two brothers. Services: Services are private and will be held at the convenience of the family. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice in Johns memory. K.V. Knopp Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.