Jerry "Pete" Jay Petersen

Jerry “Pete” Jay Petersen, 77, of McPherson, KS, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center, Wichita.

He was born on October 1, 1947, in Sioux City, IA, the son of Vern and Mary Etta (Higginbotham) Petersen. Pete graduated from Galva High School in 1966.

Pete was a United States Army veteran, serving in the Vietnam War. He was a member of the American Legion Post #24 and V.F.W. Post #2715.

Pete dedicated over 20 years of his life as a maintenance technician at Central Plastics, and spent the majority of his career working as an auto mechanic, a trade he was passionate about. He also served his community with pride and commitment as a volunteer firefighter for both the Galva Fire Department and the McPherson Fire Department.

He is survived by his two daughters, Barbara Petersen-Hurd (CW Hurd) of McPherson, KS and Rayleen Layfield (Todd) of Canton, KS; four grandchildren, Cassandra Rose (Nick), Joleta Petersen (Jeff Silhan), Jaidn Jay Petersen, and Daltn Layfield; one great-granddaughter, Skarlyt Petersen; siblings, Leroy “Butch” Petersen (Grace), Benny Petersen, and Karen Koehn, all of McPherson, KS; and many extended relatives and friends.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents; a brother & sister-in-law, William “Bill” & Mary Petersen; brother-in-law, Dave Koehn; nephews, Mark Koehn and Marty Koehn; and great-niece, Heidi Unruh.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Monday, July 28, 2025, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, July 29, at New Hope Evangelical Church with Pastor George Bocox officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at McPherson Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to help with funeral costs and payable to Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460 or given to the American Legion Post #24.