Richard Michael Peterson

On Wednesday, June 26th, 2024, Rich passed over to his heavenly home with his family by his side. He was blessed with 72 years of a beautiful life. Rich was born on June 19th, 1952 to Donna and Robert Peterson in Mankato, MN.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday July 3rd 2024 at Northview Mortuary in North Mankato. Visitation will be 2 hours prior followed by a luncheon. There will be a private burial at Calvary Cemetery in Mankato, MN. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to an individual in need or a charity of your choice. 

Rich graduated from Loyola Catholic High School in Mankato, MN. He served in the national guard for six years following high school. He had a lifelong career working for the city of North Mankato for 47 years.

Rich married the love of his life Cheri Rieff on September 29th, 1973. They were married for 51 years but enjoyed 55 years together. They had four children who brought a lot of joy and adventure to their lives.

Rich enjoyed many things in life including his passion for horses, camping, laying out at the pit in lower north, playing cribbage and poker. Rich got his pilot’s license in his younger years and enjoyed flying to places like Nashville. He enjoyed boating and fishing and when he was on the lake no fish was safe. He loved travelling with his family with some of his favorite destinations being Jamacia, Australia, and the Northern, MN. His culinary skills were legendary, especially for his famous BBQ ribs.

Rich was a loving husband, caring father and entertaining grandpa, as well as a kind and generous person. Rich’s vibrant personality always filled a room and will be greatly missed.

Rich is preceded in death by: parents, Robert and Donna Peterson, in-laws, Henry and Margaret Rieff, aunt, Lois Lievan, nephews, Matt Peterson and Tommy Adams.

He is survived by: wife, Cheri Peterson; children, Angie Sheldrup (Steve), Holly Johnson (Mick), Rachel Duenes (Aaron), and Brian Peterson; grandchildren, Taber, Natalie, and Trevor Sheldrup, Jake, Rylan, and Tayla Johnson, Lydia Sandvig, Josie, Andie, and Drake Duenes, and Maya Peterson; siblings, Gary Peterson, Tom Peterson (Radah), Pam Willaert (Joe), Judy Bulthuis (Gary), and Linda Schuster (Bill); siblings-in-law, Sue Whatley, Michael Rieff, Lori Rieff (Brian Ketterling), and Carol Vogel (Todd). Lifelong friends Jerry and Doris Cooper, Chuck and Nancy Cooper, and Cathy Atchley. Many nephews and nieces and treasured friends. 

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Mankato Area Funeral Homes.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.