Pete and Sherrie Petersen passed away peacefully three weeks apart from separate short medical illnesses in April 2026. Sherrie was 73 and Peter was 78 years old. They are survived by their son Sean, his wife Suzanna, and grandson Ben.

Sherrie was born on September 11th, 1952 in Raytown, MO, to Bill and Helen Reabold, sister to siblings Arleen and Michael Reabold.

Sherrie was a graduate of the University of Missouri and a teacher of 30 years with the Independence Public School District. In her time as a teacher, she taught English, special education, and pioneered a personalized Learning Lab for all the students in her school to receive one-on-one help during the school day, one of only a few at the time in the country.

After retirement, she relocated to Northwest Arkansas to be closer to her family and substitute taught and cultivated friendships everywhere she went. She loved to support and visit her grandson Ben Petersen. She was a fierce friend, a fighter for what she believed in, an advocate for equality, and a strong voice for her ideals.

She will be remembered for her love of lighthouses and the coast, her love of Celtic tradition and music, her laugh and determined spirit.

Loyal friend, wise teacher, proud mother and grandmother.

Peter was born on December 11th, 1947 in Medford, OR, to Robert and Mary Petersen, brother to siblings Polly and Jane Petersen.

Peter grew up in two worlds, that of Medford Oregon and the international Woodstock Boarding School in Mussoorie, India, where his parents also served as missionaries for the Methodist Church and his father was a dentist. Peter returned home to the United States after graduation to attend the University of Pacific and later relocated to Kansas City, Missouri to take a teaching position. He later became employed as a teacher with the Independence Public School District where he met and worked alongside Sherrie, in the same divided classroom for many years. Peter served as a Math and Science teacher, a Special Education teacher, and Woodshop teacher. He pioneered an after school Adventure Club program that took special needs students on outdoor activities for many years. Late in his career he even had dedicated woodshop classes for special needs students, something that was unheard of at the time.

He and Sherrie were wed in 1986 and he adopted Sherrie’s son Sean as his own for the rest of his life. Together they were loving parents for Sean until the very end.

After retirement he relocated with Sherrie to Northwest Arkansas to be near family and acted as a volunteer for the American Red Cross and as a mentor for many years. He loved to read and talk about international affairs, study woodworking, and of course listen to the Blues. He will be remembered for his sage advice, fierce love, playful laugh, and unending patience.

Steady guide, true friend, and seeker of Enlightenment.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, May 8, 2026 at Beard’s Funeral Chapel.