Kristofer "Kris" Kent Peterson

Kristofer "Kris" Kent Peterson, 44, Wild Rose, passed away unexpectedly at home with his family by his side on Sunday, May 18, 2025. He was born in Berlin, Wisconsin, to Kent and Kay (Mayberry) Peterson on January 18, 1981.

Kris will be remembered most for his love for his family, his deep dedication as a father, and his dry sense of humor. He had a quiet kindness that made people feel at ease, and a mischievous smile that those who knew him could recognize instantly.

He grew up in Mt. Morris and thrived on the family farm. Kris had a passion for showing steers, swine, and sheep, and proudly brought home a Grand Champion steer ribbon during his 4-H days. Sports were also a lifelong love – he played football, basketball, and baseball throughout his youth.

A 1999 graduate of Wautoma High School, Kris went on to earn his associate’s degree from Northeast Technical College. He built a successful career in sales and marketing, a natural fit for his charm and easygoing nature. He owned and operated a web design company for years as a side venture and was an early employee at Bug Tussel Wireless. Through his talent and work ethic, he rose to a key leadership role at the company at the time of his passing.

Kris met Katie in 2005 at a gathering of mutual friends. He immediately turned to humor to get her attention. It may not have won her over right away, but the chemistry between them was undeniable. They were married on July 25, 2009, and their greatest joy came with the births of their sons: Karter William in 2010 and Kashton Kristofer in 2014. Kris was a devoted, hands-on dad – always ready to teach, coach, support, and simply be there. Whether it was hunting, fishing, or cheering from the sidelines, he was at his very best when with his boys.

He took a shot at stand-up comedy during open mic nights in Appleton and Madison for a time, and even appeared once on national television for a brief comedy bit. While fun, he ultimately decided that the best path for his family was to dedicate himself to a steadier occupation.

Kris was also a dedicated youth coach in the Wautoma community, spending many seasons guiding his sons’ teams. His knowledge and passion made the kids – and everyone around him – better. Outside of coaching, he loved traveling with his family. Kris and Katie often took spontaneous trips to favorite destinations like Nashville, Hawaii, Memphis (for the Bass Pro Shop, of course), Gatlinburg, New York, and Graceland. They also attended many festivals and concerts throughout the years together. Some of the most memorable concerts were traveled by cars, trains, planes, and even a private puddle jumper over Lake Erie during a Nor’easter. Kris was always dedicated to getting the best seats the concerts had to offer. These adventures will be forever cherished by his family.

Kris is survived by his wife, Katie Peterson; sons, Karter and Kashton; parents, Kent and Kay Peterson; sister, Kristen (Adam) Jones and son Brett Jones; brother, Kameron (Amber) Peterson and their children Jack and Nora Peterson and brother Korey (Leah) and their sons Tatum and Owen Peterson; mother-in-law: Tammie (Lonnie) Zeinert, and sister-in-law Jennifer (Travis) Flanigan and their children Jennilea Fischer, Jaxon Fischer, Brayden Flanigan, Ashtyn Flannigan. He is also survived by great aunt Louise Lindaur and Grandma Gloria Rogers and many loved aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends. Kris is preceded in death by his brother: Brett Peterson and father-in-law: William Golonka and grandparents Walter and Joyce Golonka.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30AM on Monday, May 26, 2025 at Mt Morris Holden Lutheran Church with burial at a later date. The family will greet relatives and friends at church on Monday, May 26, 2025 from 9AM to 11AM.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established at Fortifi Bank, 240 Broadway St, Berlin, WI 54923 in the name of Kristofer K Peterson Memorial.