Gary L. Peterein, 63, of Festus died April 1, 2020, at Mercy Hospital South in south St. Louis County. Born Oct. 16, 1956, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Julia (Plass) and John J. Peterein.
Mr. Peterein started as a volunteer when he was 11 years old with what became the Mapaville Fire Protection District. He eventually became an assistant chief, chairman and vice chairman and helped the transition into a tax-supported district in 2000. He stepped down from the district’s board in 2017. He owned and operated G.L. Peterein Excavating in Festus and worked at PPG Industries in Crystal City. He was a member of Our Lady Catholic Church in Festus. He enjoyed hunting, working with his excavation equipment and farming.
He is survived by two sisters: Carol M. (the late Rudy) Zaagman of Benton Harbor, Mich., and Lori J. (the late Dennis) Robinson of Festus; three brothers: Wayne F. (Kathleen) Peterein Sr. of St. Louis, John D. Peterein of Festus and James H. (Mary) Peterein of Festus; and numerous family members and friends.
Memorial service will be at a later date. Private burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Crystal City. Memorials may be made to the Mapaville Fire Association, P.O. Box 195, Mapaville. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.