Doris Mae Peters

Doris M. Peters, 92, of Kimberly, WI, passed peacefully into the joy of her heavenly home on October 1, 2024. 

Her life began in Fairchild as the middle child of seven born to Henry and Eda Emanuel. Her small-town roots, modest upbringing, and her family's emphasis on faith ingrained in Doris the characteristics she displayed all her life: frugality, kindness, generosity, and altruism. 

Following high school graduation, she moved to Appleton and began work at Fox Tractor, where she would meet and fall in love with her handsome future husband, Don. Through their early years, the family moved around often, from the Pacific Northwest to the East Coast and back to Wisconsin, all for the sake of bettering life for their three cherished children. Mom enjoyed being a homemaker when their family was younger. In later years, she found fulfillment with her employment at staffing agencies, such as Manpower and Landmark. It is through some of these temporary assignments that she met and formed permanent friendships with some of her dearest friends. 

In her retirement, she immersed herself in volunteering in a variety of ways for a variety of ages, from helping struggling 2nd graders improve their reading skills in the Kimberly School District, to providing free transportation to appointments for folks 60+ or those with disabilities who can no longer drive themselves. Her at home hobbies included sewing and baking. Doris had an undeniable sweet tooth! Walk into her home at any time of year, and the special candy dish would be filled with a seasonal selection. There were often bars available but ALWAYS cookies in the cookie jar! Mom absolutely loved her (weak!!) coffee and she would not consume any type of sweet treat, even one bite, unless it was accompanied by a cup of java. She was also known to bake pies as a thank you for favors bestowed on her by neighbors or friends. 

Mom is dearly missed by three loving children: DiAnn (Bil) Sutlief, Greg Peters, both of Minnesota, and Cheryl(Tim) Harke, of Green Bay; her six grandchildren: Sara(Brandon) Hegg, Lee(Katie Goldammer) Peters, Amanda(Lee) Burtraw, Katelyn Wells, Adrienne Peters, Tyler(Marie) Harke, all of Minnesota; and her 7 great-grandchildren: Nola, Aubrey, Ellie, Evan, Isla, twins Rowan and Griffin. Doris is also survived by a brother, Ed Emanuel; sisters-and-brothers-in-law, Jessie Emanuel, Hal (Vera) Peters, Shirley (Jim) Larget, Gene (Barb) Peters; and many nieces and nephews. 

Doris is predeceased by her adoring husband of 54 years, Donald M Peters; siblings William (Lois) and David Emanuel, Ellen (Sam) Bogden, Marge Heniessen, and Janet (Ralph) Landgraf, as well as nephews Jeff Emanuel (godson) and Jay Emanuel. 

A brief Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel of First United Methodist Church, 325 E Franklin St, Appleton, beginning at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, Nov 16th, followed by a gathering time (with light refreshments) to share condolences and exchange memories with family and friends. 

 "The true testament of a life well-lived is the love we leave behind." Thank you, Mom, for leaving behind a lot of love. Miss you forever.