Richard A. Peterson

You will find that this is one of the most honest obituaries that you may have read. To some, Rick was just an addict, they stopped seeing him as a man. He had a “hard fought” battle with depression and addiction. Addiction is a disease of the brain and behind every disease is a person who we loved, valued and supported.

He was a self-taught tradesman at heart who had a passion for anything outdoors. He enjoyed elk hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. Most importantly, his daily morning texts to his kids and grandkids speaks to the love he had for his family. Rick had a wonderful sense of humor. His smile and laugh were so genuine.

It’s impossible to capture a person in an obituary, especially when most recently he was defined by mental illness and addiction. He had a hard life, one that most can’t even imagine being real. He always tried to push forward and persevere. He made good choices and some bad ones too. In honor of Rick’s life, we ask that the truth be spread regarding mental illness awareness and addiction recovery. God never stops seeing us just as we are. May we have an attitude of humility and compassion for those struggling with mental illnesses and addiction.

Rick was born on May 25th, 1969, in Menominee Falls, Wisconsin, to Keith and Toni (Paveglio) Peterson. He was a 1987 graduate of Marquette Senior High School.

Survivors include his children, Brandi (Brian) Patane of Eldorado Hills, CA, Ashlee (Michael) Kind of Negaunee, Ricky (Luke) Peterson-Matheus of Grand Rapids, MI; five grandchildren, Lexi, Mason, Bradlee, Elsie, and Leo; one sister, Diane (Tim) Davis of Adams, WI, Brian K. (Nancy) Peterson of Skandia, and Kenneth S. (Debbie Bergland) Peterson of Skandia; his mother, Toni Peterson of Skandia; also nieces and nephews, A.J. Remm, Jessica Lindgren, Lindsey McKenna, Toni Donaldson, Tammy Trammell, Megan Spratling, Barry Peterson.

He was preceded in death by his father, Keith Peterson in 2002.

The Peterson family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, May 22nd, at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Skandia, beginning at 12:30 p.m., until the time of the memorial service at 2 p.m., in the church with Rev. Chad Mager officiating. A luncheon will be served in the church immediately following the service.

To anyone out there who is hurting, asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength.

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting Rick’s family, where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.