Kerry William Peterson

Kerry William Peterson passed away on May 16, 2025, at the age of 66, leaving behind a family who adored him, friends who respected him, and a world that feels a little less steady without him in it.

Born on July 19, 1958, in Oswego, Illinois, Kerry was a standout athlete in high school—a fierce baseball player with a sharp eye, quick reflexes, and that signature tough-shit attitude that carried him through every chapter of his life.

In 1999, he made the bold move to Arizona with his wife and kids, trading cornfields for cacti and building a new life in the desert—one full of hard work, love, and more than a few sarcastic comments. He worked for the Moose Lodge for many years, where his commitment and character made him a staple of the community. But it was at Mesa TV & Appliance where Kerry found more than just a job—he found a second family. His coworkers weren’t just people he clocked in with; they were his people. He showed up for them with the same loyalty, strength, and no-nonsense advice he gave to his own family.

Kerry was a proud Cubs fan who remained loyal through all the heartbreaks and finally got to celebrate that long-awaited World Series win. He had a deep love for reading—mysteries, thrillers, anything with a sharp edge—and an appreciation for the finer things in life, like a good steak, a perfectly timed eye-roll, and watching Ridiculousness with a laugh that made everyone else start laughing too.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Rose, his son Kyle, and his daughter Sara Strickland, along with her husband Drew. But it was his grandsons, Walker and Beckett, who brought out a special kind of light in him. They were his pride, his joy, and his favorite reason to slow down (just a little).

Kerry didn’t need accolades to prove his worth. He built his legacy quietly, with strong hands and a sharper mind, leaving behind people who are better because they knew him.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2025, from 4:00–7:00 PM at the Agritopia Clubhouse, where friends and family will gather to share stories, laughter, and the kind of straight-shooting love Kerry gave so freely.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Kerry by doing something he would’ve appreciated: read a good book, tell the truth even when it’s inconvenient, root for the underdog, or laugh at something wildly inappropriate on TV.