Michael James Peters, 75, of Ottumwa died suddenly May 24, 2026.
He was born May 23, 1951 in Postville, IA to James and Jean Jackman Peters. He married Elizabeth Stoltz September 8, 1984.
A 1969 graduate of Monona High School, Mike attended Creighton University for 2 years and earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Iowa in 1973. He later went on to earn his master’s in social work from the University of Iowa. In 1984, he began working for AEA 15 in Ottumwa as a school social worker. Working throughout Southeast Iowa, he retired in 2015. He also taught at Buena Vista University and Indian Hills Community College for 30 years.
Mike was a founding member of the Sloth Club, a coach to his sons’ youth basketball teams, and a cyclist who participated in 20 RAGBRAIs. He also enjoyed reading, drinking beer and watching T.V., especially the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Surviving is his wife, Elizabeth Stoltz-Peters; their four sons, Christopher (Ashlyn) Peters of Michigan, Alexander Peters of Des Moines, Nicholas (Haley) Peters of Des Moines and Patrick Peters of Ottumwa; a brother, Stephen (Janet) Peters of Kansas City, MO; two sisters, Therese (Don) Shinn of Lenexa, KS and Joan Chastain of Fairway, KS; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Duane Berns, Susan Fulton, William B. Stoltz of Ottumwa, Samuel P. Stoltz of Ottumwa Ellen Stoltz-McGinity (Kevin McGinity) of Ottumwa, and Stephen C. Stoltz of Houston, TX; along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Ann Berns; a brother, Mark Peters; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Mary Stoltz.
His body has been cremated. Visitation with his family present to greet friends will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, May 29th at Reece Funeral Home. Memorial services will be at a future date.
Memorials in his honor may be made to the Ottumwa Public Library.
