Thomas "Pete" Peter Kichline

Thomas Peter Kichline, or “Pete” as he was known, 81, of Belleville, IL, passed away in his sleep on March 31, 2026, after a brief and courageous battle with lung cancer. He was born in Boston, MA, on December 4, 1944, and lived a full and fulfilling life for all the years in between.

Always quick to laugh and with stories to tell, Pete loved to share his encyclopedic knowledge of little-known facts. He never knew a stranger and enjoyed chatting with anyone he met. You could find him at his happiest at get-togethers around his pool, or while working in his yard. He was a terrific dancer and had a great sense of humor. He spent his final days smiling and laughing surrounded by family.

Pete was the oldest of seven children, and grew up in Chesterfield, MO. He graduated from Parkway Central High School in 1962, and went on to graduate with a B.A. in History from St. Louis University in 1967. He spent one year in law school at SLU before being drafted into the Vietnam War where he served in the Army infantry from 1969 to 1970.

He built a career as an insurance adjuster and started his own business, where he took pride in being able to “climb ladders” to evaluate claims, likely much later in life than he should have. He believed in thriftiness and hard work, and never liked to sit around idle.

Travel was a passion of Pete’s, and he visited places near and far, including Russia, China, Ireland, Copenhagen, Vienna, Prague, Buenos Aires, Arizona, Niagara Falls, Wisconsin, Branson, MO, Massachusetts, Israel, Jordan, and Mexico, among others.

Pete was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Peggy; his parents, Thomas and Mary Kichline; and his brothers, Gary and Kevin Kichline.

He is survived by his loving children: Shawn (Liliana Esposito) Kichline, Nicole (Kenneth) Levens, Chrissy Kichline, and Kyle (Michelle Kruse) Kichline. Pete was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren, who he liked to take fishing and share ice cream with, and a great-grandfather to one.

Pete will be greatly missed by his siblings, Mary-Lou, Brian, Joel, and Kristine Kichline, as well as extended family and friends.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held at Lake View Funeral Home, 5000 North Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL 62208, on May 2, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. A Memorial Service will follow at 1:00 pm.

The family asks those who wish to express sympathy, in lieu of flowers, to consider a donation to the American Cancer Society in memory of Pete Kichline.