George Herbert Peters

George Herbert Peters, 89, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Nov. 15, 2018, in Billings.

He was born in Toledo, Ohio, on Oct. 6, 1929, the son of Metto Peters and Mary Koscanda Peters. His parents came to America from Czechoslovakia through Ellis Island, where the family name, Petraselka, was shortened to Peters.

He married the love of his life, Betty Marie Fischbach, on Aug. 9, 1951, in St. Patrick's Rectory. They celebrated their 67th anniversary on Aug. 9, 2018. George and Betty had eight children: four boys and four girls.

George graduated from the University of Michigan in 1950 in Music Education. Hundreds of young musicians learned a love of music from his years teaching at grade schools, Lewis and Clark, Will James and Senior High.

The family always called him the "Leader of the Band." He was a conductor of the Billings Community Band, and he started the All City Band, now called the Honor Band, in the grade schools. His primary instrument was clarinet. He also played saxophone in the Shrine Dance Band. He and Betty owned Peters House of Music for 20 years. He was choir director at St. Thomas Catholic Church for many years and brought great joy to the parish through his musical talent.

George shared his deep love and appreciation for music with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He LOVED children, teaching and dark chocolate. He enjoyed the fireflies near Laurel on the 4th of July and sharing a jug of A & W root beer.

George is survived by his children, Dawn (Darrel) Dick, Allyson (Ronald) Lauwers, Stephanie Dunagan, Allen, Leonard (Jodi), Lore (Raul) Perez, Phillip (Becky); 16 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

George is preceded in death by his parents; five brothers; one sister; his son, David (Valerie) Peters; and his granddaughter, Heather Lauwers Schlomer.

We will miss your beautiful smile and quick wit. We will love you always. When you think of George, think of "The Stars and Stripes Forever"!

A vigil will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave., preceded by the recitation of the rosary at 6:45 p.m. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. Tuesday until the beginning of rosary, at Michelotti-Sawyers. Mass of the Resurrection will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 2055 Woody Drive. A reception will follow at the church.