“Life Has an Expiration Date”
Remembering Ken Peterson, 90
Kenneth “Kenny” James Peterson, 90, of McKinley, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Aug. 11, 2026, following a courageous battle with prostate cancer.
Ken lived a remarkable life—one marked by hard work, curiosity, adventure, entrepreneurship, family, friendship, and an unmistakable zest for living. Known for his booming laugh, quick wit, generous spirit, and endless stories, Ken had a way of making an impression on nearly everyone he met.
Born in McKinley on Nov. 16, 1935, to Oscar and Myrtle Peterson, Ken was the second of four children and grew up on the family farm established by his Swedish ancestors. His early years were shaped by the values of a farm family: work hard, get up early, take care of what is yours, and make the most of what life gives you.
After the family moved to Frederic, Wisconsin, Ken began to discover a larger world. He worked at the local movie theater and later at the Frederic train depot, experiences that sparked a lifelong curiosity about people and places beyond his small Wisconsin hometown.
Ken became the first member of his family to earn a four-year college degree when he graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1957 with a degree in commercial insurance inspection and fire safety. He was an active member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, serving as treasurer, and was involved with the school newspaper. He later served 12 years in the Army National Guard.
His professional career in the insurance industry spanned 35 years and took him and his family from the Midwest to the East Coast, California, and Texas. He held increasingly responsible positions with Atlas Insurance Company and Metropolitan Life before joining GAINSCO, a young surplus lines insurance company in Fort Worth, Texas. As Executive Vice President, Ken helped guide the company through its growth and eventual public offering on the American Stock Exchange in 1986.
Ken was respected throughout his career for his tremendous work ethic, business sense, humor, and ability to bring people together. Long after his retirement, former colleagues continued to remember him as an exceptional boss, mentor, and friend.
Retirement, however, did not mean slowing down. In fact, it simply gave Ken the freedom to pursue even more interests. He became a stock trader, cattleman, traveler, and collector of antique cars and tractors. He raised purebred cattle at his ranch in Spicewood, Texas, enjoyed time at his lake home on Butternut Lake, and at one point owned more than 30 antique tractors.
Perhaps nothing captured Ken’s spirit better than his love of travel. The boy who had barely traveled 100 miles from home before college eventually visited more than 20 countries and traveled around the world. He walked the Great Wall of China, saw the pyramids of Egypt, visited Africa several times, and experienced cultures and places far removed from his Wisconsin roots. Yet for all the fine restaurants and exotic destinations he enjoyed, Ken was just as happy sitting down to a home-cooked meal—especially his wife Sharon’s famous heart-shaped meatloaf.
Family was always an important part of Ken’s life. He married Carol Butterfield in 1958, and together they raised three children, Kimberlee, Kevin, and Kyle. In 1976, Ken married Sharon Smith, and they shared 50 years of marriage, building a life together that took them across the country before ultimately returning to Wisconsin.
Ken was a man who enjoyed the comforts of life but never lost his appreciation for where he came from. He loved polka music and two-stepping, telling jokes—good and decidedly not-so-good—and sharing stories from his many adventures. He maintained friendships that stretched back to his youth while continuing to make new friends throughout his life. He was especially happy in his later years at the family farmhouse in McKinley, where he could look out the window and see the apple tree in the front yard—the same farmhouse where he had been born 90 years earlier.
Ken was a longtime member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church and supported his community in many ways, including sponsoring the annual Corn Feed benefiting local 4-H youth. He was also a proud member of the Hungry Hollow Gas & Steam Engine Club, where his appreciation for old machinery and the people who shared his enthusiasm found a natural home.
Ken is survived by his wife, Sharon; his sister, Ruth Ann Thiel; his children, Kimberlee (Michael Donaldson), Kevin (Lisa), and Kyle (Maury); and his grandson, Finn Peterson; along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Myrtle Peterson; and his brothers, Warren and Roger Peterson.
Ken believed strongly in making the most of the time we are given. He often reminded those around him that “life has an expiration date.” He certainly lived by those words. From a Wisconsin farm boy to a college graduate, Army National Guard veteran, insurance executive, entrepreneur, world traveler, cattleman, collector, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Ken filled his 90 years with experiences, relationships, and stories.
He will be remembered for his laughter, his curiosity, his determination, his generosity, and his remarkable ability to find another adventure around the corner.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 12 at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 507 Wisconsin Ave., Frederic. Gathering or visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of simply remembering Ken, those who knew him are encouraged to follow his example: get up early, be curious, tell a few bad jokes, take the trip, enjoy the people around you, and make the most of every day.
Everyone is welcome for lunch following the service.
The Rowe Funeral Home in Frederic assisted the family with arrangements, please visit the website at rowefh.com for more information or to leave a message or photo for the family.
