Ronald Peterson
March 27, 1965 -
December 20, 2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Ronald Peterson, who left us peacefully on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the age of 60. Born on March 27, 1965, to Laura (Peterson) Mikkelson. Ronald was a graduate of Galesburg High School in Illinois and Carthage College in Kenosha.
On July 29, 1989 he was united in marriage to Cynthia Erickson.
Ronald lived a life filled with love, laughter, and a passion for teaching that touched the lives of countless students at Mahone Middle School in Kenosha, WI. Ron was not just a dedicated teacher; he was a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him. His warmth and kindness radiated throughout the classroom, creating a safe space for his students to learn and grow. Outside of school, he cherished spending time with his loving family.
In addition to his teaching career, Ronald was a passionate history buff and civil war re-enactor. He loved sharing stories of the past and often engaged his family in his various interests, including hunting, target shooting, and football. A voracious reader, Ronald would frequently lose himself in books, always eager to broaden his understanding of the world around him.
Ronald is survived by his devoted wife, Cindy; his children, Matt and Maddie (Austin); mother, Laura; his brother, David (Deanna); sisters, Jennifer and Kara (Jim) and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents.
In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances to the American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/ would be appreciated.
Gathering
Memorial Service
Posted by:
Michael and Karla BurressPosted on:
January 10, 2026Sending thoughts and prayers to the family during this difficult time.
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Jenny hPosted on:
January 9, 2026A great teacher, coach, and man.. he will be greatly missed by so many .. I’m so thankful I got a chance to tell him that to his face when I saw him at the treatment center… I didn’t get to care for him, but was glad I got to see him there and share how appreciative my son and my family were of him.. thoughts and prayers to your entire family…
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Eleanor DombkowskiPosted on:
January 8, 2026It’s Eleanor here and this is what I wrote down the moment I heard the news he had passed I have never felt such deep pain in my life- It was Saturday December 20th when I heard the news. My favorite coach that felt like family had died. This was supposed to be the happiest time of year only 5 days away from Christmas but I have never felt worse. I was in 6th grade and everything felt so new I had just came to elementary school and did not know anybody. I ran into Mr.Peterson in the hallway one morning with my mom and he said that in the spring I should try and do track. I tried out for volleyball in the spring did not do that and then decided to do track. I never knew this decision would be the most important decision I have ever made. For the next three years at Mahone I would work my ass off as I wanted to win city one year. I did not know that during my eighth grade year I would win city for all three events I was in. I always remember Mr.Peterson being a tough guy at practice but deep down inside I knew he was a big softie and I tried to bring out that little soft spot in him every time I saw him. I remember every morning my mom and I would walk around the building and go talk to teachers I was always excited to go see Mr.Peterson and try and cheer him up getting him out of his grumpy moods. I never knew that June 12th my birthday and the last day of school would be one of the last times I got to shake his hand and have a conversation with him. The coach that had made me want to presue a career in track for the rest of my life would be gone. It hit me in a wave the first time I heard it I couldn’t comprehend and then the next hour would be just straight sobbing. His death feels like somebody is stabbing my heart and trying to ruin my life. Never before had I meet a coach with so much determination and heart in my life. From the moment I met Mr.Peterson I knew he was going to impact and help my life in unimaginable ways. Ways like helping my life by basing my life on track. I stare at the cross country bibs hung on the wall. The still room. His voice going through my head when I first told him I was swimming and doing cross country. He wanted to make sure I wasn’t doing too much and that I wouldn’t hurt myself. Oh how I would miss his stern talkings which only showed how much he cared. That conversation would be the finally one I would have with him. Life is absolute bullshit. Through all of this hardship we have to learn to hang our heads high and not let anybody see our weaknesses. Even on the inside when we are all struggling. So take everything with a grain of salt and don’t take things for granted cause you never know when it will be your first or your last. Coach Peterson I will forever be looking up to you in heaven. I will work hard and try to achieve my goals of running at a division 1 college for you. If it wasn’t for your coaching I would have never found the sport that I have devoted my whole life to and for that I am so thankful. Condolences to family members and friends he was loved and will be missed. I won’t let you down Mr. Peterson, Eleanor
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Cyndie FahrnerPosted on:
January 7, 2026Heartbroken to hear this sadness. Sending love and a donation to American Cancer Society.
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EPosted on:
January 7, 2026A great man with a great energy I never forgot even after many years I got the pleasure of having him as my coach. May he always be remembered.
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Adele GrischeauPosted on:
January 7, 2026Mr. Peterson was such a kindhearted person who always knew what was right. He coached me all 3 years of middle school and I find it absolutely amazing how many hearts he’s touched. He’s helped me through though times when I didn’t believe in myself. He always knew what to say to give you confidence and make sure you knew how great you were. My greatest condolences to his family and friends.
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Elijah JonesPosted on:
January 4, 2026This is an email titled: “Thank you, Coach Peterson” that I sent to my favorite teacher ever, the night I found out about his passing. I think everyone including the Peterson Family would like to hear/read this, “ Hey Mr. Peterson, I heard the news… I never got to tell you this, but I appreciate what you did for me all three years at Mahone Middle School. You’ve made me a better student and made me strive for greatness on and off the Track. I am going to pray for you and your family. I can’t believe that this happened, this is so incredibly shocking and heartbreaking to me. You’ve helped me all this time, through hardships and troubles and you made sure I could be the best I could be. I will make a promise that I’ll run angry every time hit this Track, I will run crazy and fast for you, and I hope you watch me succeed while your in heaven smiling upon us. I will write more emails to you in the future to let you know my progress along my Track and Field journey, thank you for all you’ve done for us Coach Peterson. Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication and patience. We all love you, and always, Go Mustangs!”. One thing that my Grandfather had said to young Eli that me that hit me hard is, “I don’t want anyone to be sad about my passing… I want my family to celebrate my passing and have a huge party!”. I go by this comment my Granddad told me, and I believe instead of being sad about Mr. Peterson’s passing, we should be happy and celebrate all of his accomplishments as a teacher, husband, and son! He was a very good man to everyone he came in contact with, so good that he hasn’t written a buddy room in 5 years as of this year (A Buddy Room is Mahone Middle School’s version of a detention, where they send a student to another teachers History Classroom), he was somebody that I could talk to about anything and look up to, he inspired me to be better with everything I do, and to be more confident! Mr. Peterson will never be forgotten in our hearts and in KUSD, he has had a legacy from McKinley Middle School as a Jaguar, to Mahone Middle School as a Mustang. Thank you for all that you have done for us Coach! And always… GO MUSTANGS! I promise that I will beat the Indian Trail High School & Academy 400m Record for Coach Peterson, somebody that never gave up on my journey.
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Seanna CampbellPosted on:
January 3, 2026Dear Mr. Peterson, you were an awesome teacher and coach. You always made the funniest jokes and knew how to put a smile on people’s faces. I hope you rest in peace.
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Aubriella KuhnPosted on:
January 2, 2026Mr. Peterson was one of the most kind hearted teacher I ever had. He always pushed us to success and never ever gave up on us. I am a current 8th grade student at Mahone. I was truly impacted by his teacher and his ability to keep on pushing and always make sure we were getting some where with his work. He always had a great smile on his face and I will be praying for his loved ones! Fly high🕊️🕊️🪽
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Terri HuckPosted on:
January 1, 2026Cindy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. May you be surrounded by compassion, lifted by love, and comforted by the memories that will always remain close to your heart.
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Mark Anthony DembskiPosted on:
December 29, 2025Ron's genuine spirit of integrity, heart and vitality lifted us all. Your calm spirit, uncommon common sense and great good humor helped us all so many times. My friend, we will miss you around our campfires and on the field. I will cherish your memory until we meet again.
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Jeremy OsterPosted on:
December 28, 2025Mr Peterson was my 7th Grade History Teacher 6 years ago and I have to say he was one of the best I’ve ever had. Praying for the family
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December 26, 2025I was so saddened to hear of Ron's passing. He was a kind man. Ron taught my son about Civil War reenacting and was a massive influence on our family's life. Many nights around the campfire, we learned a lot about the Civil War, expanding our love of history.
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Don and Cheryl MoePosted on:
December 25, 2025To Matt and family, our deepest sympathies go out to you during this time. May God’s Peace, which passes all understanding, comfort you.
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E’Marii DallasPosted on:
December 25, 2025Mr. Peterson was the best track coach and social studies teacher. Everyday at school he would work hard for his kids. There are so many memories with Coach Peterson. He would always make jokes and make everyone that was around laugh. I send my deepest condolences to his family and friends. RIP
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December 24, 2025He was such an amazing teacher and sparked my love for history and social studies. Favorite advisory class I’ve ever had.
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Jack RobinsonPosted on:
December 24, 2025Mr. Peterson was a great teacher at Mahone. he was a great coach, teacher, and he made kids feel safe at Mahone. Thank you for being with us Mr. Peterson. Rest In Peace ❤️🪦
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PiperPosted on:
December 24, 2025Mr. Peterson was the first coach I ever had. He was the beginning of many years of running for me. Even though he was a tough love kind of coach, I still felt his compassion and deep care for his students and sport. He made a difference in a lot of people’s lives, mine being one. RIP
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Jaxson MckinneyPosted on:
December 24, 2025Mr.Peterson is my favorite coach and favorite teacher. He helped me with my struggles, my injuries, and to play better. He was really into football like the packers and the Wisconsin badgers. Me and him would always talk about football after class and even during when he was coaching me. I will be missing him a lot. He helped me a lot and to never give up on my dream career. Rest in peace Mr.Peterson
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December 23, 2025Mr. Peterson was one of, if not the best coaches I’ve ever had. He pushed me past my limits and was a massive reason I’ve excelled as a student, athlete, and person. He impacted many lives in such positive ways, and he meant so much to me. May he rest in peace.
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Hope JensenPosted on:
December 23, 2025You were funny, a great coach, pushing us towards success and making us great athletes. I’m praying for you, I'm so sorry. I was so surprised when I found out you died.
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December 23, 2025Mr. Peterson was the best teacher and would ask about people’s weekends. He was just the best teacher I have had.
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December 23, 2025Mr.Peterson was the best teacher and would ask about people’s weekends. He was just the best teacher I have had.
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AlainaPosted on:
December 23, 2025Mr Peterson was my 7th grade social studies teacher he made the class feel safe and he made it feel very comfortable for everyone
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Brenda RaygozaPosted on:
December 23, 2025Mr. Peterson was such an amazing teacher/ person. My deepest condolences to his friends and family. I remember in class he would always speak about his family and how much everyone meant to him. One thing I’ll never forget is when I didn’t have a jacket, we had a fire drill and Mr. Peterson took his off and let me wear it so I wouldn’t be cold I was only 12 years old at that time. Just the nicest person, so sad.
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EvanPosted on:
December 23, 2025A great coach and mentor, some of the hard practices and tough love he gave me and my teammates as young men prepared me for years of hard military training and service. Rest in peace Mr. Peterson
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Khamarion jacksonPosted on:
December 23, 2025Rest in peace, Coach. You built something special and unforgettable. Leading our team to back-to-back city championships was a testament to your hard work, discipline, and belief in us. You pushed us to be our best on and off the field, and you taught us what it meant to play with heart, pride, and unity. Your legacy lives on in every championship banner, every lesson learned, and every player whose life you changed. You will never be forgotten. 🏈🕊️
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Isabelle LuzarPosted on:
December 23, 2025my heart aches at this news. mr. peterson was truly one of a kind. he was such a kind person, but also an incredible teacher and coach. he saw things in me that no other teacher did. he was tough, but it was all love and anyone who disagrees didn’t truly know him. he pushed his students to become the best versions of themselves and even at 25, I reflect on the impact he made on me in 8th grade. he’s the reason i fell in love with history and continue searching for the real, true answers of life. may you rest easy, mr. peterson, and i hope to share a coffee and chat w you someday in the afterlife. 🤍
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December 23, 2025Oh Cindy, my heart breaks for you and your family. Ron's death at this time of your lives threw such a wrench in your vision of your future together. I hope the beautiful memories you have made with him bring you solace and comfort. May the love of family and friends and your faith support you through this difficult time. Much love, Diane
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Billie CowartPosted on:
December 23, 2025Thank you for being such an inspiration to not only my kids but to all of those you have come into contact with throughout your teaching career. We were blessed to have known you. Rest in peace and prayers to his family.
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Steven FlemingPosted on:
December 23, 2025Mr. Peterson was my favorite teacher in middle school! He def made me a better person by knowing him! May he RIP and my condolences to his family and friends 🫶🏼🩵💔🙏🏼😞😭
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Daysha Bonilla-ArroyoPosted on:
December 23, 2025I’m glad I was able to call you a coach and always get advice from you whenever needed. You’ve pushed me to my limit but in a good way and always believed in me no matter what. You will me missed and my condolences to your family. May you rest in Gods hands.
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Jordan WoodPosted on:
December 23, 2025I had the pleasure of having Mr. Peterson as a teacher at McKinley Middle School many years ago. He was one of my favorites and I have nothing but fond memories of him. My deepest condolences to his wife and children during this holiday season. May your memories provide you peace and comfort at this difficult time.
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Sam ortizPosted on:
December 23, 2025Mr.Peterson was an amazing teacher and mentor for my time I knew him. He was a tough man with a heart that loved effort from those he taught in sports and the classroom. My experience at Mahone middle school wouldn’t have been the same without this man. Rest in Peace Coach may you rest with the Angels.
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Bentley Van PayPosted on:
December 23, 2025Coach Peterson wasn’t only a coach to me. I am a current eight grade student at mahone middle school who ran track and wrestled for Mr.Peterson. He not only taught me how to win and lose with class but how to push myself to the next level I give thanks to him for my success today he will be greatly missed. Condolences to everyone who loved or knew him and bless his family.
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Alex SalazarPosted on:
December 23, 2025Ron was a great mentor to me and both my sons. I had the pleasure of coaching beside him last year it is an honor to have walked beside him.
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Emily (Luke) BogdalaPosted on:
December 23, 2025I am so sorry. He was a great teacher with many memories. He will be missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace.
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Grace MarkiewiczPosted on:
December 23, 2025Cindy, I grieve with you, friend. Ron was always a strength in a crowd and a stable force with our cheer group at ITA. His obvious love for you and his family was such an example. I pray you strength and peace as you endure his loss. Even as I read my words, they console so little when I know so much more is needed. My love and support to you and your kids.
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Gavin GossPosted on:
December 23, 2025I met Mr. Peterson on the first day of school in 6th grade, he was such a funny, well-beloved, and great teacher, his impact to thousands of students in this career will never be forgotten. The first I heard this, I thought it was a joke, but there I am. RIP to the teacher everyone loved.
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Jeanna RamigPosted on:
December 23, 2025He worked at my school. Such a nice man, gone much too soon. Rest in peace!
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Arik EspinosaPosted on:
December 23, 2025This is my old teacher, and also my old football coach He is a great motivator as coach Very fair and Patient with his students An Amazing teacher and coach His strength and wisdom was inspiring Rest in peace and thank you for everything
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Tony and Chris WistertPosted on:
December 23, 2025Cindy, Maddie and Matt: There's no way for me to find the words to say how sorry we are. From the time that the kids were in Middle School and Ron was Colin & Cheyanne's teacher & Colin's football coach, to high school when we were cheer parents for Maddie & Cheyanne, to going out to dinner at JohnnyZ's, your family has been a part of ours for such a long time. Ron's a great man who definitely made a difference in the lives of so many. He will always be missed and loved.
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Rhonda BrennanPosted on:
December 23, 2025Cindy and family so deeply sorry for your loss. Ron was such a wonderful kind person and dedicated to his family and his career of teaching. He will be truly missed in this world. My God give you comfort as you grieve his loss
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Goodness DanielPosted on:
December 23, 2025Mr. Peterson was my favorite teacher even though he was only at school for the first month, I have been really touched by his teaching and how he always knew when somthing was wrong. I’m so glad he got to live his life to his fullest ability and I can’t wait to come and visit him at the funeral.
