By Deborah Larsen
Herbert Garrett “Herb” Peters
Herbert Garrett “Herb” Peters was born in Rochester, Michigan, on December 19, 1915, the son of Louis and Florence Garrett Peters. His family had lived in the Rochester area since the 1840s. Herb attended Rochester High School and graduated in the class of 1932. He continued his education by earning a bachelor’s degree from Alma College in 1938. He worked as a reporter for the Detroit News before the war.
In April 1942, Herb enlisted in the U.S. Army. He graduated from officer candidate school in May 1943 and received his commission as a second lieutenant in the Signal Corps. Herb was an instructor with a training regiment in Florida before being assigned to the 48th Signal Heavy Construction Battalion that was sent to France in November 1944 to participate in the final push against the Germans. While stationed in Reims, France, Herb met a French woman who would later become his wife.
After the war, Herb married, started a family, and began a 32-year teaching career with Rochester Community Schools. He also used his G.I. Bill to earn a master’s degree from Wayne State University in 1955. Herb taught at Rochester High School and West Junior High School before retiring in 1981.
Herb had a love of history and was active in several community organizations, including the Rochester-Avon Historical Society and the Sons of the American Revolution. He also worked as a sports reporter for several area newspapers.
Herbert Garrett Peters died at the age of 95 on April 24, 2011, and was laid to rest at Van Hoosen Jones-Stoney Creek Cemetery.