The Celebration of Life for Joel Peters will be held September 26 at Noon at the Baptist Church in McIntosh, SD.

Joel Martin Peters, age 60, passed away unexpectedly on September 8, 2026 in his childhood home. Born January 7,1966, in Lemmon, South Dakota to Julius and Rose (Baumeister) Peters.

Joel spent his youth surrounded by siblings, cousins, and farmwork. Joel attended Watauga Elementary then went to McIntosh High School where he graduated in 1984. After graduation, Joel settled in Wamego, Kansas and began his career in crew and road maintenance for Wabaunsee County. While in Kansas, Joel married Beth and together they had Michael and Joel became step-father to Beth's daughter Amanda.

Joel was a 15-year charter member at Harvest Baptist Church, While a member there, he helped with special events such as Vacation Bible School, Missions and Conferences among other roles and programs while ensuring Michael and Amanda had opportunities to go to Christian Youth Camps and on Youth Trips.

While Joel worked and worshiped, he also made time for nature and helping others. Joel was known for helping farmers around the area where Joel shared his firsthand knowledge in the skilled arts of cutting hay, working cattle, and cutting/splitting firewood with Michael at his side. Many long-lasting father and son memories were made while fishing in Tuttle Creek State Park in Kansas.

Joel moved back to his childhood home in 2014 to help his aging father with the family farm. He lived his last few years working for the Corson County Road Maintenance Crew, watching football, spending time with friends and family, worshiping, and relaxing.

Joel will be remembered for living his beliefs of faith over fear, sacrificing for others, and that kindness is acceptable even for the toughest and most rugged of men.

Joel is survived by his son Michael (Rebekah), his step-daughter Amanda (Tremayne Jr. and children), his sisters Janine Peters and Michelle Nelson, and niece/god-daughter Nichole, and multiple other cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Julius and Rose Peters, his sister Ivy, his brother Michael and a handful of cousins and friends.