Rev. Peter Weller

The Rev. Peter Weller of Fort Collins died at home Jan. 22, 2008, following a brief illness. He was born Feb. 10, 1926, in Holland, Mich., the son of parents who immigrated from the Netherlands. Peter received his bachelor of science in electrical engineering at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 1948. He then decided to become a Unitarian minister at the age of 26 and received his master's of divinity from the Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley, Calif. The Rev. Weller served Unitarian-Universalist congregations in Laconia, N.H.; Seattle, Wash.; Hanska, Minn.; Muskegan, Mich.; and Pittsfield, Mass., where he ministered for 12 years. He then did interim ministry in Birmingham, Ala., and Bloomington, Ind. A longtime advocate of peace and justice, Pete was active in the civil rights movement and marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He also was active with the anti-war movement during the Vietnam era and recently served on the board of the United Nations Association here in Fort Collins. He was also a member at the Foothills Unitarian Church. Pete was married to Carol Reed Weller in 1958. She preceded him in death in 1973. He was remarried to Jennie Parker Weller in 1977. He is survived by his wife, Jennie Parker Weller of Fort Collins; three daughters, Cathleen Hamilton Oakland, N.J., Julia Smith Fairbanks, Alaska and Gretchen Weller Fort Collins; five stepchildren, Marian Ware Amherst, Mass., Carl Hildebrandt Pittsburgh, Pa., Janet Hildebrandt Boulder, Jay Hilt Burbank, Calif., Lisabeth Almgren Tucson, Ariz., 17 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his three brothers, John, Peter Anthony "Tony" and Hubert "Herb" Weller, all of Holland, Mich. A memorial service will be at a later date at Foothills Unitarian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Foothills Unitarian Church or Hospice of Larimer County in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel. Friends may send condolences to the family at www.bohlenderfuneralchapel.com .