Kent Peters, 72, passed away on Sunday, July 25, 2021, at Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee. Kent was born on February 3, 1949, in Keokuk, IA to the late Gail Peters and Billie (Weber) Peters. He was the oldest of three sons. Brothers Mark (Gloria) and Craig (Linda) from Chicago suburbs survive him, as well as three nieces and three nephews residing in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Florida.
Kent grew up on Peters Dairy Farm near Keokuk and was an outstanding athlete (football, wrestling, track) and musician (french horn, choir, summer musicals) at Keokuk High School. Kent met Jennifer Modory from Kenosha, WI while both were students in music performance and education at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, IL. They were married in Kenosha, WI in 1969 and were continuous residents until Jennifer’s death in February 2021.
After completing his college degree at Carthage College and UW-Parkside, Kent was employed by Kenosha Unified School District, and worked in quality control for American Motors Corporation and Macwhyte. He was an active member of the Elks Club for many years.
Kent had a big personality and a big laugh. Kent loved to cook and to eat, especially at Frank’s Diner and Shirl’s Frozen Custard. He loved to fish. He loved to sing Bob Dylan songs. He loved to grow varieties of tomatoes in his garden and give them away. He loved to tease his sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews without mercy. With his seat-belt unfastened and alarm dinging, he loved to drive visitors around Kenosha and describe the city’s many charms. He loved to buy and wear funny clothing from Mike Bjorn’s. He loved to describe how his brothers tormented him in those early years. He loved to attend Golden Glow of Christmas Past meetings and conventions with Jennifer.
Kent loved to swim and oil painting. He loved to watch Father Brown and Doc Martin on PBS. He loved to provoke his liberal relatives. He loved to acquire and drive vintage automobiles. He loved to care for his mother and mother-in-law in their later years. He loved his breakfast meetings with friends, Macwhyte retiree luncheons, and chatting with neighbors. He loved to travel and see the world with Jennifer beside him. He loved having a grandnephew named after him. He loved the Green Bay Packers. He loved a stein of beer with good company at the BierGarten. He loved to be the center of attention and to shower affection on others. He loved his slice of life.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at Proko Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Green Ridge Cemetery, Kenosha, WI.