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MARQUETTE, MI – Aaron David Peano, 40, of Marquette, passed away Thursday evening, July 9, 2026, at UP Health System-Marquette following complications from Vibrio vulnificus, an aggressive bacterium he was exposed to while swimming in the ocean. He and his soulmate, Amanda Noordyk, were celebrating his 40th birthday at their favorite place, St. Pete Beach, Florida.
Aaron was born July 3, 1986, in Marquette to David Peano and Kathie Clifton and attended Marquette Area Public Schools.
Aaron was a bright light in this world. He loved deeply, laughed loudly, and left an unforgettable impression on everyone he met. Whether you knew him for five minutes or twenty years, you remembered Aaron.
A gifted musician, entertainer, and entrepreneur, Aaron spent years sharing his love of music with others. Throughout the years, he performed with several bands, including An American Malfunction, 5 Finger Discount, Safe from a Nightmare, Useless Decisions, Riot 49, Taken for Granted, Furnace, The Relentless, Liars and Cheaters, The Final Fall, Famous Last Words, The Monsters I've Met, Doozy, and Big Trouble. Together, they created incredible music, lasting friendships, and unforgettable memories along the way.
Aaron and Amanda co-owned and operated Level UP Entertainment, where together they helped create unforgettable celebrations for countless couples and families throughout the Upper Peninsula and beyond. They also co-owned Skyline Tattoo, another reflection of Aaron's entrepreneurial spirit and creativity. Aaron loved bringing people together and believed every event should be personal, beautiful, and unforgettable.
Aaron loved his two Dobermans, Memphis and Xena, and spoiled them like they were his children. He also had a passion for cooking and enjoyed preparing delectable meals for family and friends. Whether he was in the kitchen, performing on stage, planning an event, remodeling a space, or dreaming up his next creative project, Aaron approached everything with imagination and an eye for detail. He had a unique ability to envision what something could become and poured his whole heart into making it a reality. He rarely settled for ordinary, and he inspired those around him to think bigger, dream bigger, and create something memorable.
Above all else, Aaron fiercely loved his family and friends. His generosity, quick wit, infectious laughter, and larger-than-life personality filled every room he entered. The love he gave so freely and the memories he created will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Surviving are his partner of 23 years, Amanda Noordyk; his parents, David Peano and Kathie Clifton, both of Marquette; two sisters, Jessica (AJ) Gerstmeyer-Filizetti of Ishpeming and Jennie Peano of Marquette; niece and nephew, Madelyn Gerstmeyer and Dylan Dumas; uncles, Kurt (Jan) Kipling and Tracey (Jen) Breckenridge; and several cousins, as well as his trusted companion, Xena.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents and his beloved Doberman, Memphis.
A Celebration Larger Than Life will be held at a later date. Details will be announced as they become available.
Aaron’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com