Richie Peterson

Richard John Peterson Jr was born to Richard John Peterson Sr and Gwendolyn Sue (Holmes) Peterson on June 11, 1976. He was lovingly known as Richie to close family and friends, and later as Uncle Richie to his biggest fans. On April 27, 2021, Richie passed unexpectedly, leaving this world to return home to the place the Lord has prepared for him in heaven. Preceding Richie in this journey, and waiting to greet him in heaven, was his father, Richard J Peterson Sr. He was also preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Guy Holmes, and Rada and Bill Chapman, and his aunt Candace Kailing; and his paternal grandparents, Berniece Peterson, and John and Jeanette Peterson. Surviving are his mother, Gwen Peterson, his sister Kim, his sister Cherri, and his brother John. Although Richie did not have children of his own, he was the best Uncle Richie ever for Lynnette, Mia, and Nicholas, and was an active and supportive part of their everyday lives. Also surviving are his family on his mother's side, Craig, Pam, Heather and Dan Bilski; Karen Holmes; Rita, Bryan, and Sierra Holmes; and Starr, Matt, and Cody Jones. Family holidays, most of which we all spent together, will not be the same without him. On his father's side, he leaves a very large family, many cousins; an aunt, Marlene, and an uncle, Roger. Richie will be greatly missed by a handful of his lifelong friends, especially Tommy and Tony. So many great times and great memories, spanning the decades. Richie, known as Rich to his roommates, also leaves behind a large family of friends from his home in Rockford, where he had lived for more than a decade. During his life on earth, Richie enjoyed listening to rock music, working around the house, especially yardwork, watching wrestling and football, bonfires, cold beer, thrifting, and recalling stories about the good old days. Richie also had a soft spot for Animals and he had a special bond with his Niece Lynnettes Chihuahua, Rosie. Richie also enjoyed Trivia with his Nieces and Nephew. He was very smart and loved spending time with his sister Kims kids, and spoiling them with snacks regularly and enjoyed buying everyone pizza on his paydays. He Loved spending time with his Family as often as possible. Richie had a great sense of humor and a generous heart. He was kind, gentle, thoughtful, compassionate, and helpful to anyone and everyone. He had the physical strength to put those values into action for his loved ones. Richie will be greatly missed by all who were blessed enough to know him.

A memorial gathering and service for family and friends to celebrate his life has been planned for Saturday May 22nd 2021.Family and friends will meet from 2-3 and 3 pm will be service of celebration of life with Pastor Darrell Dalman officiating at Home Acres Reformed Church, 21 Murray St SE Kentwood 49548. The family would like to extend a special "thank you" to Gwen's lifelong friends, Betty (Jim) Pike and Dorothy Willson; and Glenda and Randy Hewartson, and Pastor Darrell Dalman and the entire Home Acres Congregation for their extra support and care of our mom during this difficult time.