Fr. Aaron Peters (1939-2026)
Father Aaron Peters, OSB, May 13, 1939-March 27, 2026, died on the morning of March 27, 2026. He received the last rites of the Church and the Apostolic Pardon, surrounded by brothers in prayer.
A native of Hutchinson, KS, Father Aaron was born on May 13, 1939, and given the name Sheldon. He was the son of the late Raymond and Violet (Trotter) Peters. Having lived in numerous places as a military family, Fr. Aaron attended several schools. He graduated from Central High School in London, England, in 1957.
After graduation from high school, Father Aaron served in the United States Navy Submarine Force for 10 years. During his time in the service, he had a conversion experience and joined the Catholic Church. He began to feel a call to religious life and looked into different communities. He enrolled at St. Benedict’s College in 1967. While at St. Benedict’s, he was active in The Continentals, the famous singing group. He was also involved with the college Knights of Columbus.
Father Aaron decided to join the Abbey and professed simple vows in 1972, graduating from Benedictine College that same year. He studied for the priesthood at St. Meinrad School of Theology in Indiana. He also took theology courses at the University of Indiana. Later, he studied at the University of San Francisco and the famed Samuel Avital School of Mime in Boulder, CO, in the summer of 1985.
Following ordination to the priesthood on June 11, 1977, by Archbishop Ignatius Strecker, Father Aaron used his many talents to glorify God. At the Abbey, he served at different times as Guest Master, Oblate Director, librarian, tailor, arts and environment, and on the liturgy committee. Gifted with a beautiful voice, Fr. Aaron often served as cantor and sang in the Abbey schola. He helped put together the current Liturgy of the Hours the monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey pray every day. He was known for the puppet shows he put on, which taught a lesson in faith. Father Aaron is remembered fondly for his liturgical service in many parishes. He served from 1985 to 1993 as a Chaplain at Valley Hope, a treatment center in Atchison for people with addictions. He spent time at St. Matthew’s, Topeka; St. Patrick’s, Great Bend; and Holy Spirit, Overland Park. His longest pastoral service was as chaplain to the Ursuline Sisters of Paola, KS, from 1995 to 2009.
Father Aaron never forgot a birthday or an anniversary. He always anticipated being sent Christmas treats and small gifts from family. His retelling of the family stories, done with humor, forgotten details, and drama will be missed. From the early days of his conversion to the Catholic faith until the end of his life, Father Aaron was always a man who was searching for God. He shared that search with many people and helped many in their time of need.
Father Aaron is survived by his brother, Gary (Merilyn) Peters of Plainville, KS, his sister Barbara (Gary) Friesen of Hutchinson, KS, his brother-in-law Clay Rupp, and many nieces and nephews who knew him as Uncle Sheldon. Fr. Aaron was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Violet (Trotter) Peters, and his sister, Connie Rae Rupp.
The monks will celebrate Vigils for the Dead and Visitation, Monday, April 6 at 7:00 PM in the Abbey Church. The Mass of Christian Burial and Interment will be Tuesday, April 7 at 10:30 AM. Memorials in honor of Father Aaron may be sent to St. Benedict’s Abbey, 1020 N. Second St., Atchison, KS 66002 or left online at https://www.kansasmonks.org/donate
We commend our brother, Father Aaron to your prayers.