Surrounded by his loving family, Ryan passed away the morning of March 29, 2026. He was born on November 25, 1971, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Rodney and Patricia Petersen.
Ryan graduated from Slinger High School in 1989 before moving to Minneapolis, where he began his career in the packaging design industry. Alongside his wife, Stephanie, whom he married on June 15, 1991, he co-founded PG Graphics. He later went on to manage Pedersen Gesk, a top-ten North American packaging branding company, where he became affectionately known as the “Dream Crusher” by the graphic designers for his candid feedback and high standards for designs.
After the birth of their son Carson in 2002, Ryan and Stephanie returned to Milwaukee, where he joined the family business, Krenz & Company. He eventually became President, working closely with his dad, brother, and sister to grow the company and build a new manufacturing facility. He took immense pride in working side by side with his family.
Ryan was a devoted and deeply involved father to his two children, Carson (23) and Mackenzie (20). He was a constant source of support, guidance, and encouragement in every aspect of their lives. He dedicated countless hours mentoring their high school robotics team, FRC Team #6823, helping lead them to three World Championship appearances in just seven years—an extraordinary accomplishment for a young team. Ryan was a tad competitive. His passion and commitment earned him the prestigious Woodie Flowers Award for mentors after only four years. Whether traveling to competitions or driving over 24 hours straight to get the team and their robot to Calgary, Canada, Ryan showed up—every time. His impact extended far beyond his own children, shaping the lives of many students and continuing to support other local teams even after his children graduated.
He was incredibly proud of the paths his children pursued—Carson following in his footsteps as an operations manager at the family business after graduating from Purdue University with an engineering degree, and Mackenzie working toward her dream of becoming a doctor, as she is currently studying undergrad Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.
Ryan had a lifelong passion for cars and motorcycles. Among his prized possessions was his 1978 Trans Am, a piece of his youth that will now be carried forward by his son. He also found joy in his newest love, his Ferrari. Sharing these passions with his children brought him immense happiness. He left his family a beautiful collection and will get a last ride in his Ferrari to his final resting place.
His loving wife, whom he spoiled rotten with the many travels they took, will hold great memories which will help sustain her and remind her of the precious time they spent together. She loved traveling and he indulged her with that hobby. When the kids were born, they were included too, traveling to China, Europe, Russia, South America and beyond. Their most cherished destinations, Hawaii and Alaska, became annual traditions. Through these experiences, Ryan gave his family the gift of seeing the world and all it has to offer.
Though his time was far too short, Ryan lived life fully. His license plates said it best: “PLAY HARD”, “PLAY FAST”—life is short.
Ryan was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Petersen, and his father-in-law, Crispin Kurt. He is survived by his beloved wife, Stephanie Petersen; his son, Carson Petersen, and daughter-in-law, Alyssa Petersen; and his daughter, Mackenzie Petersen, and her significant other, Alexander Thundercloud. He is also survived by his father, Rodney Petersen; his mother-in-law, Anna Kurt; his siblings, Eric Petersen and Kelly Petersen and her significant other, Antonio Spencer; his nephew and niece, Tanner and Taylor Petersen; other family and a multitude of friends and his cherished dogs, Faith (adopted at the start of his 2020 cancer diagnosis) and Maui (a Christmas gift to Stephanie in 2023).
Ryan was our rock, our compass, and the heart of our family. He was a beloved son, husband and father. He was deeply loved and respected by all who knew him. While we will feel his absence every day, we will honor his life by carrying forward his strength, humor, and unwavering love. We will especially miss his signature message after cancer treatments: “didn’t die.”
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either FIRST Robotics https://www.firstinspires.org/donate or to Children’s Hospital, Donations in Ryan’s memory may be made to Children’s Wisconsin Foundation to support The Petersen Family Fund by donating online at https://giving.childrenswi.org/ and typing “The Petersen Family Fund” as the gift area. Supporting children brought Ryan great joy—whether through his annual toy donations or helping with his daughter’s robotics team toy drives, personally delivering gifts to brighten the lives of others. During his time here, he impacted the lives of many which we all hold in our memory .
Service to celebrate Ryan’s life will be held at Resurrection Cemetery Chapel at 9400 W Donges Bay Rd Mequon, WI 53097. Visitation will be Saturday April 4th, 2026 from 10 AM until the time of Service at 11 AM.