Keith Peterson

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of beloved Keith Arnold Peterson, 84, of Aberdeen, SD on December 2, 2025. His last days were at Avera Mother Joseph Manor in Aberdeen, surrounded by loved ones.

Keith is survived by his wife of 59 years Carol Peterson; his two daughters, Renee Penticoff (husband Scott Penticoff) and Tamara Hoerner (husband David Hoerner); four Grandchildren: Stephen Hoerner, Jenna Oslin (husband Stephen Oslin), Shaun Hoerner and Olivia Penticoff; three sisters: Terry Rawleigh, Peggy Worthy and Sue Gerlach; and one brother, Gary Peterson. Keith is preceded in death by his mother, Gladys Stensby Peterson, father Jacob Arnold Peterson and grandson Alexander David Hoerner.

Keith was born on February 1, 1941, in Aberdeen, SD. He lived much of his early life in Frederick, SD, moving with his family to Ortonville, MN in his sophomore year of high school, then to Appleton, MN for his senior year where he graduated as valedictorian of his class. After graduation he attended Augustana University on a scholarship, in Sioux Falls, SD. Before the end of his first year, as the eldest of five children, he was called back to Frederick to support his family on their farm.

In 1966 he married the love of his life, Carol Weisbeck. The couple lived in Frederick where Keith worked with his father in the plumbing and electrical business for five years and developed a love for construction. The family then moved to Aberdeen with their two children. Keith began working at ProBuild, known at the time as UBC lumber. While at UBC, he made a number of business connections, including meeting one of the founders of Super 8 Motels. In 1975, he was hired by Super 8 and eventually become President of Associated Contractors, the builders of Super 8 Motels. Keith’s influence can be seen across the Midwest as a developer and builder for Super 8 and was responsible for the construction of hundreds of their locations. Keith also designed and built the family home in Aberdeen, where they lived for 39 years.

After leaving Super 8 in 1991, he and his partner, Skip Clay, created Fairway Homes in Aberdeen. The team built more than 30 custom homes in the Aberdeen area, until Kieth retired.

Memories of Keith conjure up images of baseball, bowling, golf, the Minnesota Vikings, the Northern Wolves and woodworking. Keith was the pitcher of his baseball team as a young man and that love of baseball continued throughout his

life as an avid Twins fan. The family fondly remembers Keith watching the Wolves, Twins and Vikings, as well as attending their games whenever possible He is also remembered, in Aberdeen, as a top bowler, completing several 700 series and a perfect 300 game. Keith enjoyed gracing the links at Moccasin Creek Country Club, where he participated in many local tournaments.

Keith was a master woodworker. Creating furniture and gifts for family and friends was a favorite pastime. Many a day and night, Keith could be found in his workshop building, sanding and polishing his beautiful creations.

Keith will be deeply missed by all who knew him, remembered by that sparkle in his eye, the smile on his face and his wonderful, comforting hugs. “A father’s love is forever imprinted on his children’s hearts.” ~ Unknown

The family is celebrating his life at a funeral mass to be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 10:30 A.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Aberdeen, SD officiated by Fr. Gregory Tschakert. Friends and family are invited to attend. Visitation will take place one hour before the service begins. Honorary pallbearers are all the members in his morning coffee group. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association of South Dakota. Funeral services provided by Spitzer Miller Funeral Home.