Norman L. 'Jack' Peters, 75

Norman L. "Jack" Peters, 75, (former Kalispell fire chief) passed away Monday, Sept. 29, 2008, at his home in Kalispell, with his wife of 57 years, Marie, at his side. The seventh of eight children, Jack was born at home on April 26, 1933, in Columbia Falls to Art and Mary (Taddie) Peters.

A lifelong Flathead resident, Jack received his early education at the Bad Rock School and attended Flathead High School. When asked about his education, he used to joke that he didn't go to school for too long, "because he was just too darn smart already."

Jack married Marie Widdowson on April 28, 1951, in Kalispell, two days after his 18th birthday.

He worked at the Equity Supply for a time before starting his career with the Kalispell Fire Department in 1956. He became fire chief in 1970 at the age of 37. He retired as fire chief in 1978.

Jack had been a member of St. Matthew's Catholic Church since 1951.

Jack was a character with a loving and generous heart. He enjoyed many good times with his family and friends. He was an outdoorsman and liked hunting, fishing, horseback trips into the Bob Marshall Wilderness and spending time at Wolf Creek.

There were not many days that went by when he did not get in a game or two of pinochle.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Alfred, Walter, Eugene, Robert, Richard and Jerry; and one sister, Margaret Bleskin.

He is survived by his wife, Marie Peters, of Kalispell; a son, Steve Peters, and wife, Susan, of Kalispell; a daughter, Shelley Draper, and Burt Cole, of Kalispell; three grandchildren, Joe Peters, Katie Draper, Joshua and wife, Sarah Peters, all of Kalispell; five sisters-in-law, Carlene Peters, Betty Bitney, Ruth Poston, Deloras Peters and Cathy Peters; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Mass of Christian burial for Jack will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, with Father Vic Langhans as celebrant. Burial will be afterward at Fairview Cemetery. A rosary will be said at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at Johnson Gloschat Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to time of rosary at 6 p.m. Friday.

The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to the charity of the donor's choice.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Jack's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Jack's guest book.