Dennis "Mike" Peters

Dennis "Mike" Peters, 74, of Mancelona, passed away September 26, 2023 at Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility. He was born on January 14, 1949 in Olney, Illinois, the son of Damon and Charlene (Brookfield) Peters.

In the book Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Willy asks little Charlie Buckett how he likes his beloved Chocolate Factory. Charlie emphatically replies to him, "It's the most wonderful place in the world."

While the Payday Candy Bar factory, owned by the Hershey Company, doesn't boast lickable wallpaper, a chocolate river, golden egg-laying geese, or a Wonka-vator that can travel outside of the building, Mike would often say that it's a pretty magical place without all of the kitschy extras that you read about in the book.

Mike worked in the the Payday Candy Bar factory for several years until he retired. The Payday candy bar, which consists of peanuts and caramel, was first manufactured in 1932. Because he worked in a candy factory, he was pretty much considered an expert when it came to the subject of candy.

Along with candy being a favorite, he also loved Macaroni and Cheese, Pringles and potato chips. He also shared love for a candy bar other than the Payday bar, the Hershey almond bar! He was a witty man and always carried himself with a sense of humor. A childhood memory of his that he cherished was living in the trailer park and walks to the ice cream parlor just around the corner.

Surviving him in death are his brother John "Butch" Peters of Salem, IL, brother in law Lawrence Coan, 8 nieces and nephews, many great nieces and great nephews.

Preceding him in death are his parents and sister Janice Coan.  

A Rosary will be prayed Friday, September 29, beginning at 10 A.M. at St. Anthony Catholic Church of Mancelona. A funeral mass will immediately follow at 10:30 A.M. with Fr. Matthew Cowan officiating.

The family wishes to thank Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility for the exceptional care of their family member.

Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of ones choice.

Arrangements are in the care of the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com