Kevin Petersen

KEVIN ROBERT PETERSEN, 49 LOVING HUSBAND AND SON; GIFTED MUSICIAN ROCKFORD - Kevin Robert Petersen, 49, of Rockford died at 4:36 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009, in his home. Born Dec. 6, 1959, in Milwaukee, son of Jerry and Doris (Grau) Petersen. Kevin graduated from Brookfield East High School in Wisconsin. He obtained his bachelor's degree from UW-Madison. While attending graduate school at UW-Milwaukee, he met his future wife, Sandra Stephens. They were united in marriage on Aug. 31, 1985, in Milwaukee. Kevin was employed at the Greater Rockford Airport as an air traffic controller. After obtaining his pilot's license, he shared his joy of flying with his family and friends by taking them on trips around the Midwest. He was a member of both the Blackhawk Flying Club and NATCA Union. Kevin was an extremely talented musician; he played with many local bands, and arranged and composed his own music. He opened his own home recording studio, called Kevin's Recording and Audio Production Studio, or "K.R.A.P." He was a skilled trombone and keyboard player and greatly enjoyed sharing his gift of music with all who knew him. Survived by loving wife, Sandy; father, Jerry (Mary) Petersen of St. Louis; mother, Doris (Grau) Petersen of Brookfield, Wis.; brother, David Petersen of St. Louis; nephew, Michael Hart of Tallahassee, Fla.; stepfather-in-law, Brano Treskon of New Port Richey, Fla.; sister-in-law, Cheryl (Alan) Grimes of Sarasota, Fla.; friends from the Clutch Cargo Band and the Moonlight Jazz Orchestra; and many other friends whose lives he touched. Predeceased by his grandparents. A celebration of Kevin's life is at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, in Heartland Community Church, 1280 S. Alpine Road, Rockford, with visitation from 9 a.m. to time of the service; Pastor Gordy Smith will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded. Memorial contributions may be made to Kevin's family. Grace Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information please visit gracefh.com.