In Memory
I don't know any particulars but I thought Peter was the first person in our class to pass away, I think due to a traffic accident. It was possibly 1969. I'm not sure so please don't consider it to be gospel. Perhaps SBT archives would have it if they have a search obit feature by name.
posted 23 Nov 2017 JMC
01/04/2021 information from Delos E. Buster Coen.
Deceased Classmate: Peter Zink
Obituary Link: Orvis-Palmer Funeral Home
Date Of Birth: November-18-1949
Date Deceased: August-14-1971
Age at Death: 21
Cause of Death: Gun Shot 0n the 700 block of Allen Street S.B. Ind.
Classmate City: South Bend, Indiana
Classmate State: IN
Classmate Country: USA
Was a Veteran: No
Survived By: His parents Mr. & Mrs. Carl F. Zink, and his two brothers Gerhard of Forest Ranch California and Claus of South Bend.
Peter was born in Baden, West Germany. He moved here when he was 3, and lived here 19 years. After graduating S.B. Central H.S. in 1968, he was a senior at Valparaiso University studying social work.
Jim Champaigne (Admin) (1961)
I was a friend of Peter’s. We attended Valparaiso University. He was affectionately, called “Gracie.” I have never forgotten him, we were very good friends. He came to my apartment one day, absolutely ecstatic about this album from this new singer by the name of Elton John. Unfortunately, fate was not kind to Gracie, he wouldn’t live to realize the superstar, Elton would become. I was informed of his death, by a mutual friend, David Felber. I was shocked and literally-speechless. Yes, l attended his funeral. I remember, his girl, Nancy, was completely devastated. The only information David was able to obtain was, he was found with no shoes? I know, I’m recounting this as though it happened recently. I will never forget. I still mourn his death. He was a good friend. God rest his soul.
11/28/2025 JFC