Chad M. Peterson Obituary
December 23, 1971 – November 1, 2016
Chad M. Peterson, age 44, of Janesville died on Tuesday, November 1, 2016, after his valiant fight with colon cancer. His strong will to live, and the love and prayers of family, friends, and many supporters carried him through and gave him hope and strength through his long and tiresome battle. Chad was born in Janesville on December 23, 1971, the son of Kathy (Owen) and Art N. “JR” Peterson. Chad graduated from Parker High School in 1990 and was employed by the City of Janesville since July of 2006. He married Heidi S. Mielke on September 15th, 2001 at Traxler Park in Janesville and together they raised their 3 wonderful children, Alexis, Jake and Ryan together. Heidi preceded Chad in death on June 1, 2006.
Known for his phenomenal guitar talents, love of cars and sense of humor, Chad was always rocking out, showing off his classic car at statewide car shows or making us all laugh until our stomachs hurt. He had a knack for impersonations and found something funny in almost everything and never missed an opportunity to point it out.
Chads life was lived mostly without regret and to its fullest. His only regret was that his children suffered so much loss with both parents. Jake and Ryan were his pride and joy and he loved them with his whole heart and he never wanted to see them hurt or sad and he only wished he could be around to see them grow up and meet their future families. He valued his friends as if they were family and his family as if they were friends. His music was heavily influenced by his favorite rock band RATT, as well as Tesla and others from that genre. His most current position as the lead guitar player for the band 5 Star Ruin gave him the opportunity to open for famous bands like Soil, Jackyl, Theory of a Deadman and Jake E. Lees Red Dragon Cartel and many more. Chad passed his love and knack for music on to his eldest son Jake and he hopes that Jake carries on and passes this down as a family tradition with his future children. His youngest son, Ryan, is a very talented artist, who also has a great love for music instilled in him by his father. Chad will be very missed on the music scene by all his fans and friends.
His surviving family members are numerous, but mainly include; his sons: Jake and Ryan Peterson; his stepdaughter: Alexis (Luke) Petersen; grandson: Mason Petersen; his mother: Kathy Straight; and his father: Art “JR” Peterson. He is further survived by his sister: Michelle Peterson; step-brothers: C.J. (Donna) Straight, Jessie (Leslie) Straight and Cory (Tracy) Straight; special friend: Tracy McClain-Engstrom and her daughter Christine Engstrom; as well as many friends that he included in his "family". Chad came from a very large family and had love for his many aunts, uncles, step-sisters, nieces, nephews and cousins as well. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his step-father, Craig Straight
Funeral services honoring & remembering Chad’s Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 11, 2016 at the Whitcomb – Lynch Funeral Home. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Whitcomb – Lynch Funeral Home and again on Friday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. A luncheon reception will be held at the funeral home follow the burial. Thank you to the Brothers In Chains, M.C. for their support and generous offer to provide everything for the luncheon.
Chad had one final message for his friends and family that only some of you will understand.....
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