Herb Peters – Teacher, Newspaperman, Lifelong Rochester Resident – Dies at 95

The man who has been referred to as the oldest-known Rochester-born citizen in the area died Sunday at age 95.

Herbert G. Peters was born Dec. 19, 1915. He was a graduate of Rochester High School and taught English for 32 years in Rochester Community Schools. He later served as a reporter and editor for the Rochester Clarion.

Peters was married to Madeleine for 64 years. He was the father of Gigi Williams of Shelby Township, Jacqueline Baker of Fairfield Glade, TN, and Democratic Congressman Gary Peters of Bloomfield Township, according to his obituary produced by in downtown Rochester.

A lover of local history, Peters spoke to members of the Rochester-Avon Historical Society in February about his family's ties to the capture of John Wilkes Booth; Rochester Patch told his story in

Visitation is planned for 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Pixley Funeral Home. A funeral service is planned for 10 a.m. Thursday.

Memorials in Peters' name can be given to the Rochester-Avon Historical Society, P.O. Box 80783, Rochester, MI 48308-0783.