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Peter Garthe is a true Traverse City original—someone who embodies community in every sense. Known for his incredible memory, Peter can recall names, numbers, and graduation years with ease, and he does mental math faster than most people can open an app. But what makes him unforgettable isn’t his mind—it’s his warmth. Peter has a smile that shows up before he does, a laugh that fills a room, and a belief that everyone is worth greeting. He’s proudly loyal to every local team—Trojans, Titans, Glads, and Tigers—and famously competitive, especially when volunteering, where he holds records few will ever beat. His story is even more remarkable considering he began life with little chance of survival, growing instead into someone whose impact on this community is immeasurable. Peter is truly one in a million, and his joy, grit, and generosity shine throughout this episode.
By Julie Brons and Don PichePeter Garthe is a true Traverse City original—someone who embodies community in every sense. Known for his incredible memory, Peter can recall names, numbers, and graduation years with ease, and he does mental math faster than most people can open an app. But what makes him unforgettable isn’t his mind—it’s his warmth. Peter has a smile that shows up before he does, a laugh that fills a room, and a belief that everyone is worth greeting. He’s proudly loyal to every local team—Trojans, Titans, Glads, and Tigers—and famously competitive, especially when volunteering, where he holds records few will ever beat. His story is even more remarkable considering he began life with little chance of survival, growing instead into someone whose impact on this community is immeasurable. Peter is truly one in a million, and his joy, grit, and generosity shine throughout this episode.