Jerry Kenneth “Kenny” Peterie, 76, went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 1st, 2024. Born on March 24th, 1947, in Humansville, Missouri, to Raymond and Beatrice (Gentry) Peterie, Kenny grew up on the family farm in Collins, Missouri, with his brother Randy and sister Debbie. While attending Collins High School, he was an excellent athlete, playing both baseball and basketball. After graduation, he played a short time with a minor league baseball team as a pitcher.
Kenny served two years of active-duty service for the US Army. He fought in the Vietnam War, serving honorably as both an infantryman, and later a cook, earning several medals and commendations.
When he returned to civilian life, Kenny moved to Kansas City and started his career with Kansas City Power & Light. After working as a Journeyman Lineman for many years, he was promoted to the position of Supervisor, and retired after more than 35 years of service to the company.
Kenny and his beloved wife Wanda just celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary on Valentine’s Day. Kenny’s love for their blended family was great, he loved his two stepsons as much as his own two sons, and their wives became the daughters he never had. His grandchildren and great-granddaughter were the apples of his eye, and they could do no wrong. Kenny practically burst with pride and would bend any willing ear with numerous stories of them all.
Sports were Kenny’s favorite pastime. He thoroughly enjoyed coaching his sons’ baseball team to several championships, becoming a mentor to many young men over the years. He enjoyed attending Kansas City Royals games, but his favorite baseball player of all-time was a Yankee – Micky Mantle. The Kansas City Chiefs were also one of his favorite sports teams, and he loved every moment watching their games – especially when they recently won their 2nd straight Super Bowl.
Kenny never knew a stranger, his generosity was enormous, and he could strike up a conversation with anyone, especially if they were talking about sports or Donald Trump. After retirement, Kenny loved spending time at the casinos and making his annual pilgrimage to watch the Arkansas Derby. And if anyone knew how to win a jackpot, it was Kenny Peterie. He treasured the Annual Peterie Fish Fry at the family farm, where he could catch up with extended family and lifelong friends. He was also well known as the Hotdog Man at his neighborhood’s annual garage sale, his booming voice yelling “Hotdogs” could be heard for blocks.
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Beatrice Peterie, brother Randy Peterie, sister Debbie (Peterie) Bright, and stepson Dennis Mathewson. He is survived by his wife Wanda (Tromblay) Peterie, sons Jerry (Kathie) and Lennie (Kimberly) Peterie, stepson Jack (Linda) Mathewson, his beloved grandsons Gaven Peterie and Ryan (Jordan) Mathewson, granddaughters Jaden and Nikki Peterie, great-granddaughter Rose, as well as numerous other family and friends.
In Lieu of Flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in Kenny’s name to the Freeman-Holsapple Cemetery in Collins, Missouri, in care of Sheldon-Goodrich Funeral Home.