Larry Raymond Peterka

Larry Peterka Obituary
May 22, 1961 to September 12, 2025
Larry Peterka, a true Renaissance man, passed away at home on September 12, 2025, at the age of 64. Larry was born on May 22, 1961, in Fresno, CA. He grew up there on a farm with his family, including his parents the late Cathie (nee Smith) and William Peterka. Following a stint in the Navy and after earning associate degrees in administration of justice and photography, Larry worked as a police officer before starting his four-decade-long career with the IRS in 1986. He met his beloved wife Paula in 1988 at a lecture on the life and times of Henry VIII, and they were heavily involved with the Renaissance festival and re-enactment groups in California. Paula and Larry were married on August 21, 1991, in Fresno, CA, in Larry's grandmother's backyard. Larry had already moved to the East Coast, and Paula soon followed, also joining the IRS. Larry received many promotions at the IRS and was working as the Associate Director for Human Capital Operations, Talent Acquisition when he passed. He was a beloved and dedicated civil servant. Everyone – from subordinates to supervisors – went to Larry when they had a question. He never turned down a request for assistance and always seemed to have the answer.
Larry and Paula lived in Virginia for several years before purchasing their current home in Crownsville, MD, a house they chose largely for its ability to hold 25 Landsknechts. Larry and Paula had portrayed many different characters during their time in California, but the German Landsknechts were among their favorites, and they helped found Das TeufelsAlpdrücken Fähnlein in 1994. Larry took great joy in portraying Hauptman Manferd Blöde in the group, which was a major part of his life for the next three-plus decades. The group participated in events ranging from Military Through the Ages in Jamestown to the Maryland Renaissance Festival, where he and Paula performed for over 20 years. Larry played not only Manfred at the festival, but also diverse roles, ranging from English knights to Herr Olisleger, Chancellor to Princess Anna of Cleves (who was portrayed by Paula). Together with Paula, Larry founded the living history area of the Maryland festival in 1998, and together they directed it through 2009. Larry even learned how to joust, portraying numerous historical characters, and participated in the daily tournaments at Maryland and other festivals. Larry's knowledge of history was extensive, and he was a mentor to many new festival performers and re-enactors.
In 2000, Larry and Paula welcomed their son Kenneth, which began a new chapter in his life. Larry was a devoted father, and as Kenneth started to grow, he began to take on fun hobbies that the whole family could enjoy participating in together. Because dressing up for festival was not enough, and Larry was not afraid to try something new, in 2006, Larry and his friend Rob Slater joined a local group that portrays Star Wars characters for charity events. Many friends soon followed, and they all became members of the 501st and Rebel Legions. Larry traveled with his family all over the country to participate in amazing events that they would never have dreamed of before, including marching in parades at Disney World, visiting children's hospitals, joining Relay for Life, and so much more.
Larry was also extremely active in Scouting America (formerly Scouts BSA/Boy Scouts). A wonderful and enriching way for Larry and Kenneth to spend time together, Larry started out as a den leader for Kenneth's Cub Scout Pack 768 and his involvement grew as Kenneth did. He was Scoutmaster of Troop 768 and then 721, and Advisor for Venture Crew 721 for years until he passed the reins and became Committee Chair for the Troop. Larry took the Course for the Wood Badge in 2016 and served on multiple Wood Badge Courses thereafter. Because that was not enough, he became the District Training Chair for adult leadership and was a rangemaster for archery for over a decade. Larry was given the honor of being inducted into the Vigil for Order of the Arrow and given the District Award of Merit. Larry was also an active member at the Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Church, which had sponsored Pack and Troop 768; he served on the Staff Pastor-Parish Relationship Committee, and on the Technology/Streaming team. He was a steady, calming presence at the church, again always willing to be there when someone needed him.
Larry is survived by his wife of 34 years, Paula, son Kenneth, sister Deborah Cooley and nephew Ryan Fagundes, Aunt Geri Kragh, as well as numerous cousins. He joins in the afterlife his parents, in-laws, and several close friends who predeceased him. Larry also leaves behind countless friends, colleagues, and family of choice from the Maryland Renaissance Festival, multiple festivals in California, Das TeufelsAlpdrücken Fähnlein, the 501st and Rebel Legions, the Free Lancers Jousting troupe, Scouting America, and Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Church.
Noch Weiter, Larry. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.