Kent Frederick Petersen

Kent Frederick Petersen, 72, of Indian Land, SC and formerly of Reading, PA, peacefully passed away Saturday, April 10, 2021 surrounded by his loving children. He was born March 5, 1949 in Kenosha, WI, son of the late Fred and Mary (Bartell) Petersen. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Lynne Gray.

Throughout his personal life and by way of his lifelong career in the automotive industry, Kent had many opportunities to explore the world, stamping his passport in more than 20 countries across 5 continents and living in several for extended periods, with his favorites being Argentina and Thailand. Kent also toured the U.S. extensively, having a particular fondness for the National Parks, visiting as many as he could while collecting pins and patches along the way.

An avid woodworker early in life, Kent was able to return to his craft in retirement and delighted in making furniture and art for family and friends, whether to commemorate a special event or simply as a reminder to others how important they were to him. A member of the woodworking guild in the Sun City Carolina Lakes community, Kent was highly respected for his talent, knowledge, and creativity.

Wherever he called home, Kent welcomed everyone around him in with his hospitality, forging lifelong bonds with people from all over the world through mutual understanding, respectful arguments, and always a glass of bourbon.

He will be remembered as a loving father, brother and uncle, a dedicated friend, a guiding mentor, and an adoring grandfather.

He is survived by his brothers, Jim (Sue) Petersen and Mark (Char) Petersen, both of the family home of Kenosha, WI; his sons Shaun Petersen of Madison WI, and Scott (Lisa) Petersen of Lebanon, PA; his daughter Katie (Matt) Thomas of Longmont, CO; and his granddaughter Riley Thomas; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, the National Park Foundation, or the First Tee organization.

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