MICHAEL JAMES PETERSON

1941 - 2014

Michael James Peterson, 72, Kansas City, Kansas passed away peacefully at KU Medical Center surrounded by family on February 18, 2014 at 9:20 am. Michael was born on September 18, 1941 in Kansas City, KS to Joseph and Mary Peterson. He was a lifelong resident of Wyandotte County. He attended St. Peters Cathedral and Bishop Ward High School, where he graduated in 1959. Michael attended the University of Notre Dame on a full football scholarship. An injury cut short his career at Notre Dame in 1961, but was able to finish playing at North West Missouri State University. He also managed to marry his life long love, Robin (Novak) Peterson on September 7, 1963. He graduated in 1965 and turned down the NFL to teach and coach at Rockhurst High School and attend night law school at UMKC. After graduating from UMKC in 1969, he passed the bar and began his legal career. He also found time to coach football at St. Peters Cathedral during the 70's, establishing many championship teams and compiling an 84-4 record. He was a member of many civic organizations, as well as being a precinct committee man, ward captain and Wyandotte County Democratic Central Committee Chairman for over 4 decades. He served in the Kansas State House of Representatives from 1979 to 1991 and then from 2005 to present. Michael also owned the Wyandotte Echo Newspaper from 1979 to present with his wife, Robin. Of all of his many accomplishments he was most proud of his family and grandchildren, which brought him the greatest amount of happiness and joy. He was a man of deep religious and moral values. He is survived by his wife, Robin Peterson of 50 years, his brother Joseph and sister Mary Ann Yoder. He is survived by his 5 children, Anita Cash, married to Brian; children Marlo Schwab, Nick and Tony Clark. Ann Golubski, married to Fred; children Paul, Brian, Michael and Mark. Margaret Shriver, married to Kevin; children Jake and Jessica Shriver. Joe Peterson, married to Kendra; children Jacob and Michael Peterson. Molly Watskey, married to Chad; children Joseph, Jillian and John Watskey. Visitation will be 4-8 PM Friday, Feb. 21 at St. Peter's Cathedral , 409 N. 15th St., K. C., KS , with the Rosary being prayed at 4 PM. The Funeral Mass will be 10 AM Saturday, February 22 at the church with interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in KC,KS. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to KU Hospital and or Sister Servants of Mary. On behalf of the Peterson family, we wish to thank the entire staff of the KU Hospital. The doctors, nurses, staff and aides were extremely professional, compassionate and respectful. Arrangements: Skradski Funeral Home, Kansas City, KS 913-371-1404 www.skradskifh-kc.com