Obituary of Martin Peeters

It is with great sadness the family of Martin Peeters announces his peaceful passing on June 11, 2023 at the age of 88 at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital surrounded by family. Beloved husband of Mary (de Koning) Peeters of 62 years who is currently residing at Chartwell Long Term Care in Parkhill. Loving father of Martin & Linda Peeters of Kerwood, Joanne & Joe Van Bree of Arkona, Jenny & Andy Kustermans of Parkhill and John & Pam Peeters of Kerwood. Cherished Opa of Brent, Derek Peeters, David & Christine Van Bree, Cindy & Mike Read, Michael & Brittany Van Bree, Amanda & Tyler Ellis, Michelle Kustermans & Dan Mudlic, Kevin & Claire Kustermans and Sarah Kustermans. Precious Great Opa of Jacob, Matthew & Sarah Van Bree, Carter, Zachary & Brooks Read, Nathan, Oliva & Hallie Van Bree, Addison & Kaylee Ellis, Ariana Mudlic and Donny Kustermans. Cherished brother & brother-In-law of the Peeters & de Koning Families.

Martin was born in Rijsbergen Holland on June 5^th, 1935. He found the love of his life just down the street from the home farm. Martin and Mary began their married life together on April 18, 1961 and they decided to move to Canada shortly thereafter on their honeymoon. They started out in Grand Bend working in the vegetable fields and then moved to the dairy farm on the Kerwood Road. Over the next few years along came the children, Martin Jr, Joanne, Jenny and John. Martin worked hard on the farm, milking the cows and planting the crops. With many ups and downs throughout the years of farming, life was not always a walk in the park but Martin and Mary always managed to have fun along the way. They travelled back to Holland several times, took lots of family trips including Sunday afternoon outings to the beach and visiting with family and friends. But on the dairy farm we always had to be back home to do the chores and milk the cows. When Martin was 40 years old, he lost his arm in a farming accident but he still continued to farm and never complained. In the 80’s Joanne, Martin and Jenny were all married and started their own lives. In 1995, John and Pam took over the dairy farm and Martin and Mary retired in Strathroy on Riverview Drive. Martin and Mary enjoyed their retirement life in Strathroy, keeping busy riding their bikes, playing cards, spending time with their 9 grandchildren, many walks through the bush, and Martin always enjoyed a good game of pool. In March of 2020 Martin and Mary decided to downsize and sell the beautiful home and move to Bear Creek Estates for easy, comfortable living. Martin and Mary always enjoyed their great grandchildren coming over to visit them. In March of this year, Martin along with his family had to make the difficult decision to move Mary to the nursing home in Parkhill because of her dementia. Martin would lovingly visit her several times per week as they adjusted to living separately. Only two short weeks ago, Martin was diagnosed with very aggressive acute leukemia. The doctors and nurses at Strathroy Hospital kept him comfortable for his final days. Martin’s family had the gift of time to spend the last two weeks with him every day at the hospital at his bedside sharing many wonderful stories and memories.

A Visitation will take place on Wednesday, June 14^th, 2023 from 6:00-8:30pm at DENNING’S OF STRATHROY. A Mass of Christian burial will take place the following day on Thursday, June 15^th, 2023 at 11:00am at All Saints Roman Catholic Church. Private interment to follow at All Saints Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations to the Chiros Care Foundation (note the Strathroy Hospice in the memo line please) would be appreciated. Online condolences and donations may be made at www.strathroyfuneralhome.com