Keith Allen Peterson (74) passed away surrounded by family on November 15, 2024 after facing Alzheimer’s with strength and grace. Keith was preceded in death by his first wife, Linda, parents Charles and Isabelle Peterson, mother and father in-law Steve and Lillian Hecomovich, sister-in-law Joan Kujala, and niece Chandra Lee St. George. Survived by his wife Jayne Peterson, Keith and Linda’s four children Julia (Aaron) Carlson, Annie (Jeremy) Marshall, John (Alicia Lyons) Peterson, and Megan (Edward) Sandberg, grandchildren Catie and Rob Carlson, Henry and Erik Marshall, and Matilda and Juniper Sandberg; his siblings: Bert (Mary Ellen) Peterson, Terry (Mary) Peterson, Alice Peterson, Nancy (Bob) St. George, and Justin (Christy) Peterson; sister-in-law Gail (Jerry) Ruuhela; brother-in-law Jerry Kujala; and many nieces and nephews.

Keith was born in Bangassou, Central African Republic on May 12, 1950. His family moved back to the United States in 1956, living in Upstate New York, Breckenridge and Bemidji Minnesota before finally settling in Cohasset, Minnesota.

Keith's lifelong passion for music began early, as he sang in the choir and played in the band. One of his cherished memories was performing in the musical "Show Boat."

He graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 1968 and began his college career at Itasca Junior College. Keith's love story with Linda Erickson began in choir class at Itasca. They both transferred to the University of Minnesota Duluth, where Keith met lifelong friends with the best college stories they shared with his kids. Keith graduated with a degree in music education.

Keith began teaching music at Meadowlands and Cotton Schools in 1975. He worked at the Cotton School until 2006. Keith was the music department for Cotton’s K-12 school, which included general music, band, and choir. He was affectionately called "Mr. P" by his students. Keith often said he never worked a day in his life since he loved his work so much.

Keith and Linda were married in1973 and moved to Cotton in 1980 to be closer to the school. He enjoyed coaching his kids’ elementary basketball teams, taking them to the BWCA, fishing, tapping trees for maple syrup, making chokecherry jelly, cooking his famous chimichangas, and hanging out with his beloved dogs. Of all the roles Keith had, being a grandpa was his favorite; he would snuggle his grandbabies as he sang and danced. His grandkids always loved to guess how many different flavors of ice cream were in his freezer, with the record being 10. His kids and grandkids were proud of his musical talents, but especially proud of his 18-year sobriety.

Linda passed away in 2007. Keith was lucky to meet Jayne Suomi. They were married in 2008 and he gained a bonus family: children Amy (Elijah), Allison (Kevin), Joe (Kristen), Ben (Tori); grandchildren: Bailey, Maria, Lexi Jo, Ethan, Jay, Hunter, Isaiah, Liam, and Elliot; great grandchild Maeve, and dearly missed children John, Alyssa, and grandson Tracker.

Keith and Jayne remained in Cotton. They enjoyed taking drives along the north shore of Lake Superior and vacations to Arizona and Texas visiting friends and family.

Keith's journey was marked by his enduring love for music and his commitment to his family. He will be deeply missed.

A celebration of life service and reception will be held at the Event Center, Dawghouse Bar & Grill, 7283 Highway 53, Canyon, Minnesota on November 23 beginning at 12:00 p.m. A reception will follow the service from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Arrangements by Bauman Family Funeral Homes, Virginia, MN.