Dr. Henry A. Peters

Dr. Henry A. Peters Jr., who taught at the University of Wisconsin Medical School for 47 years in the departments of neurology, psychiatry and rehabilitation medicine, died on Saturday June 5.   He was 89 years old.    

Dr. Peters was world-renowned in the fields of neuromuscular disease and neurotoxicology, one of the foremost authorities on the medical disorder porphyria, and published over 100 scientific papers.   He lived in Madison for over 60 years.  

He was born on December 31, 1920 in Oconomowoc, WI to Emma Nicolaus Peters and   Dr. Henry A. Peters.   Henry grew up in the house his grandfather established   on Lac LaBelle after emigrating from Germany in 1850.   His boyhood was largely spent on the water, sailing homemade boats, fishing and exploring the area lakes.   His father had his medical practice in their home, and Henry often rode along on his visits to patients in the country.   This influenced his decision to go into medicine. During the Great Depression he remembered patients delivering chickens and produce to his father's office in exchange for care.    

Following his graduation from Oconomowoc High School in 1938, Henry attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating with a degree in Medicine in 1943. While at the university, Hank was a member of Beta Theta Pi.    Entering the Navy and UW Medical School at the same time, he received his M.D. in 1945 and completed his residency in Helena, Montana.   After his discharge in 1948 he returned to Madison and became a faculty member in the UW Medical School.   On May 20, 1950 he married Jean Alice McWilliams of Madison, WI., a medical secretary who helped him with his writing throughout his career.    She died on Jan. 5, 2010.    Beginning in 1956, he operated the UW Hospital's Muscular Dystrophy Clinic and was very active with the local and national Muscular Dystrophy Association and March of Dimes.    In 1961 he started research in Turkey where he treated people who had developed porphyria from eating pesticide-treated grain. He made yearly trips for over 30 years, providing free medical consultation throughout the southeast region and developing a deep affection for the country.   

  Dr. Peters also traveled frequently to Nicaragua on behalf of the UW Medical School, co-founding the Wisconsin-Nicaragua Partners of the Alliance for Progress.   He served as the organization's president for 12 years.   After the 1972 Managua, Nicaragua earthquake, he led a state relief effort, shipping tons of medical supplies and equipment for hospitals and clinics throughout the country.   

  Dr. Peters derived great satisfaction from teaching and having mentored over 40 years of medical students, interns and residents.   As a physician, he was well known for his kindness and bedside manner, and often referred to a guiding principle""I always listen to my patients.""  

For over 30 years, Hank was an active member of Madison's Downtown Rotary, receiving its Senior Service Award in 1999.   He was a member of Advent Lutheran Church, where he greatly valued the friendship of his G.(grumpy) E. (elderly) M.(men)'s group.  

Music was one of his greatest loves.   For over 40 years his warm, lyric baritone was heard as a frequent concert soloist with the Madison Symphony and Chorus, where he even persuaded his four sons to join him for a time.    He also sang many roles with Madison Opera beginning with its founding production in 1961.   Reading, painting, photography and genealogy were his other interests.    Since 1970, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at their cabin and farm in Richland County.    

Dr. Peters is survived by his four sons, Henry (Marit) Peters of Madison and their daughter Laura and son Matthew; Kurt (Lise Faillettaz)Peters of Northfield, MN; Eric (Elena Fox)Peters of Madison; Mark (Janeen) Peters of St. Paul, MN and their sons Noah and Alek; sister Joanne (Ernell F.)Rothe of Madison; nephew Peter (Christine)Wilson of Midlothian, VA; nieces Martha Wilson of Ridgefield Park, NJ and Ann Wilson of Richfield, MN.   In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and sister Charlotte Wilson.  

Visitation will be held at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd. in Madison, on Friday June 18, 2010 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.   A memorial service will be held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 1833 Regent St. in Madison, on Saturday June 19, 2010 at 10:00 a.m., the Rev. Andy Jones officiating and the Rev. David Keesey-Berg preaching.    A reception will be immediately after the service followed by burial at Forest Hill Cemetery.  

The family would like to express their deep gratitude for the love and care given to Hank at home by Bayar Luvsandorj, and the staff of Sebring Assisted Living Memory Care, Madison.     

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the UW Foundation, 1848 University Ave., Madison, WI 53726 (to provide medical student aid), or the Madison Opera Foundation, 3414 Monroe St., Madison, WI   53711.   Please put ""Dr. Henry Peters Memorial"" in the memo line for each.