Longtime West Bend Resident Willard 'Will' Peters Dies at 92

Peters was a proud member of St. John's Lutheran Church and cherished time with family and friends.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 11:03pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph in warm, muted tones depicting the interior of a church, with soft light filtering through stained glass windows, conveying a sense of reverence and reflection.The peaceful, contemplative atmosphere of St. John's Lutheran Church, where Will Peters worshipped for decades, reflects the quiet devotion that defined his life.West Bend Today

Willard 'Will' H. Peters, a 92-year-old lifelong resident of West Bend, Wisconsin, passed away on March 24, 2026. Peters was a graduate of West Bend High School, served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, and worked as a civil engineer for over 35 years. He was a longtime member of St. John's Lutheran Church and is remembered for his kindness, generosity, and devotion to his family and friends.

Why it matters

Will Peters' passing marks the end of an era for West Bend, as he was a pillar of the community who dedicated his life to service, faith, and family. His story reflects the values and experiences of many longtime residents of the town.

The details

Peters was born on April 26, 1933, to Orrin and Lorraine Peters in West Bend. He graduated from West Bend High School in 1950, served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, and earned a civil engineering degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1959. Peters was married to Marlene Kunde on June 24, 1967, and they raised their family in West Bend after moving there in 1969. Peters practiced engineering for over 35 years and was a proud, lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church, where he served as an usher for many years.

  • Peters was born on April 26, 1933.
  • He graduated from West Bend High School in 1950.
  • Peters married Marlene Kunde on June 24, 1967.
  • The couple moved to West Bend in 1969.
  • Peters passed away on March 24, 2026.

The players

Willard 'Will' H. Peters

A 92-year-old lifelong resident of West Bend, Wisconsin, who was a graduate of West Bend High School, served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, worked as a civil engineer for over 35 years, and was a proud, lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church.

Marlene Kunde

Peters' wife, who he married on June 24, 1967, and who preceded him in death on January 20, 2013.

Orrin Peters

Peters' father.

Lorraine Peters

Peters' mother.

St. John's Lutheran Church

The church where Peters was a proud, lifelong member and served as an usher for many years.

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What’s next

Peters' family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 2 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in West Bend, with a funeral service to follow at 3:30 p.m. Peters will be laid to rest in a private burial at Washington County Memorial Park on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

The takeaway

Will Peters' life and legacy serve as a reminder of the importance of community, faith, and family in small-town America. His quiet dedication to service and devotion to his loved ones left an indelible mark on the West Bend community that he called home for over nine decades.