Neil Peters

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Obituary

Neil Peters, 71, of White Lake, SD, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Funeral service will be 10:30 AM Saturday, March 21, at Trinity Lutheran Church in White Lake. Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery at White Lake. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church with a 6:30 PM prayer service. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Neil Alwin Peters was born on June 29, 1954, in Mitchell, SD, to Alwin “Pooch” and Eleanor Peters. He was baptized at St. Martin's Lutheran Church, confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, and graduated from White Lake High School in 1972.

After high school, Neil attended South Dakota School of Mines, but found that the field was not to his liking. He returned to White Lake, working at the City Bar and serving as School Board President. Later, he studied at Minnesota West in Pipestone, MN, where he enjoyed both his classes and assisting at the school while earning his banking degree.

Neil started his banking career in Colman at Dakota State Bank, where he developed a love for small-town banks. Neil remained at Dakota State Bank until it was sold to a larger bank, so Neil moved to Watkin, MN, to work at Farmers State Bank until his retirement. Neil called his title Vice President of Everything “That Needed to Be Done”.  

Neil loved to travel, whether with his family or on solo adventures. He relished road trips across America, often setting out from SD and driving wherever his curiosity led him. Cruises were another favorite, where he explored new ports, read several books, and spent time in the ship’s casinos. Neil visited all of the United States and every continent except Antarctica.

Neil was known for his sense of humor. While he had a fondness for telling intentionally corny jokes, he maintained this lighthearted spirit throughout his life. Even during his time in the hospital, family members often needed to inform the nursing staff that he was only joking.

Above all, Neil consistently demonstrated generosity by thoughtfully acknowledging family and friends on birthdays and other significant occasions. He crafted jewelry for those important to him and contributed to a variety of charitable organizations.  

Neil was a loving brother, uncle, and friend to many. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Neil is survived by his special aunts, Darlene Kunzweiler of Yankton, SD and Arlene (Gary) Anderson of Coeur d’Alene, ID; siblings, Vicki (Delayne) Persson of Stickney, SD, Cherie Hopper of Sioux Falls, SD, Brian (Mary) Peters of Wentworth, SD, Rhonda Peters of Sioux Falls, SD, Carla (Tom) Chamberlain of Milton, GA, Renee (Dallas Schneider) Peters of Springfield, SD, and Craig (Kellie) Peters of Sioux Falls, SD; nieces and nephews: Karin (John) Patterson, Jon, Kirsten, and Justin (Megan) Persson; Shelly (Tommy) Schwartz; Mandy (Tom) Olson, Amber and Josh (Haley) Peters; Nick and Mitch (Amy) Chamberlain; and Ryan and Allie Peters; and 11 great nieces and nephews. 

Neil was preceded in death by his parents, Alwin and Eleanor Peters; brothers, Gary and Dennis Peters; and one brother-in-law, Dean Hopper. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, White Lake Senior Meals, or the White Lake Ambulance Service.

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