Kenneth R. Peterson

Kenneth R. Peterson WOODSTOCK- Kenneth R. Peterson, 69, of Woodstock, a longtime funeral director and the owner of Lasher Funeral Home in Woodstock, N.Y., died unexpectedly on Monday morning, May 13, 2019. He was born in Kingston, N.Y.; a son of Janet (Maclary) Peterson of Woodstock, and the late Harold R. Peterson. In 7th grade Ken already knew he wanted to be a funeral director. Following his high school classes, he would assist at the Lasher Funeral Home, cutting grass, washing cars, and cleaning the funeral home. Following his graduation from Onteora High School, he attended Ulster County Community College, and then attended the Simmons School of Embalming. Ken earned his NYS license to practice funeral directing in 1975 and continued as a funeral director with the Lasher Funeral Home. Ken purchased the funeral home from previous owner Bob Boyd in 2005. A member of the Sons of Norway, Ken was an avid collector of post cards and would attend post card shows held locally. He enjoyed studying genealogy and held an interest in old cemetery stones. He also loved local town history and was a very active longtime member of the Woodstock Area Meals on Wheels. Ken loved to bake, especially his famous blueberry pies. In addition to his mother, he is survived by one brother, Carl A. Peterson, and his companion Teresa Grant, of Shandaken; one sister, Cynthia L. Peterson; his dear loving companion, Annette Mason Kissin; two uncles, Cornelius (Connie) Maclary and his Roseann, of Woodstock, and Kenneth W. Peterson, and his wife Shirley, of Alabama; one aunt, Margaret Aikins of Wisconsin; close cousins, Debbie Brooks, and her husband Bob, of Saugerties, and Michael Reynolds, and his wife Suzanne, of Willow. Many other cousins, both local and in Wisconsin, also survive. Ken’s family will receive friends at the Lasher Funeral Home, 100 Tinker Street, Woodstock, N.Y., on Friday, May 17, 2019 from 3 to 7 p.m. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2019, at Lasher Funeral Home, The Rev. Charles E. Stickley will officiate. Burial will follow at Blue Mountain Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Ken’s memory to a charity of choice. Expressions of condolence may be sent to Ken’s family at: www.GVVFH.com