Obituary of Peter Carl Shuster

Seneca Falls-Peter C. Shuster went to be with his Lord Jesus, Tuesday (December 27, 2016). Calling hours will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday (January 2, 2017) at the Seneca Bible Baptist Church, 1859 US Route 20, Seneca Falls. The memorial service will immediately follow with Rev. Terry Fenton, pastor, officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Teen Challenge Syracuse, 124 Furman St., P.O. Box 72, Syracuse, N.Y. 13205. Born in 1929, he was a lifelong resident of Seneca Falls. Peter was the oldest son of Carl and Nora Margaret (Linnstaedt) Shuster. He was well known as an excellent dairyman and farmer, and for his luscious strawberries. Peter was a dedicated Christian from early on, serving as Sunday School superintendent in his 20's. He was active in and a blessing to the churches he attended over the years. He graduated from Cornell Ag College where he met his first wife, Connie. He returned and took over the family farm and expanded it. He eventually sold the dairy farm and built a flourishing grain and seed production business. His U-Pick strawberry business was famous throughout the area and was a treat for him each year. He was a life-long learner of the science of farming, beginning with his membership in FFA and 4H in his youth, and continuing through participation in Cornell Ag research, plus his attendance at many conferences and field-days. He read the Wall Street Journal daily. He mentored many young farmers. He was a mechanical genius, developing and creating multiple tools from scratch and making improvements on existing machinery. His work exporting organic soybeans earned him a free trip to a trade show in Japan in his 70's. He was active in Seneca County Farm Bureau where he held several positions including president. Peter loved brass music, especially marches. A Sousaphone and Cornet player, he travelled with the Big Red Marching Band and played with his father in the Tyre Cornet Band. He enjoyed square dancing with the Cayuga Cut-ups with his late wife, Connie and then with his second wife, Karen, plus his granddaughter, Sarah. His soft-serve ice-cream machine was a hit at many dances and at church events. Peter was devoted to his family. His generosity extended to many beyond his family. He was always willing to give hard-working youth a job. His smile and words of encouragement (along with a kiss and a hug) to everyone he met. He touched many lives. Peter is survived by his wife, Karen L.; sons, Frederick (Melissa) Shuster and Glen Shuster; daughter, Sue (Bruce) Green; grandchildren, Eva, Nick, Sarah, and Stephen; two great grandchildren; three step- children; brothers, William (Nancy) Shuster and Edward (Laura) Shuster; several nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by a host of friends and the entire farming community. Peter was predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Connie Perkins Shuster. Condolences may be sent to www.coegenungfuneralhome.com.