Ryan Timothy Peterson

Ryan Peterson, age 54, of Henderson, Nevada passed away July 14, 2024 in Henderson, Nevada. Ryan was born August 15, 1969 in Silvis, Illinois. He moved around a lot with his family as a child and attended schools in Orion, Illinois and Laramie, Wyoming, finishing high school at Libertyville High School in Libertyville, IL. He did art in high school and was a top student in his class. He was selected by Libertyville High School to attend the Chicago Art Institute because of his talent and dedication. He went on to attend the Institute. He was an extremely talented artist, his works varying from pen, paint, hand-draw show flyers, a quirky cartoon named Rock World, and dabbled in photography. He also modeled and acted.

He married Mary Altiere on his birthday, August 15, 1997 and had twins Ryen and Rachel Peterson in March 1999. They divorced in 2002. He remarried to Holly Nemetz Brown Peterson in 2006. They divorced in 2016. He did not remarry.

Ryan had a career in the local Union IATSE 720 as a stagehand for over 20 years. He most recently worked at Caesar’s Palace running spotlight for Adele and Garth Brooks. If you have seen a viral clip of Adele’s show, he was there, the one shining the light on the star and watching the moment unfold. He previously worked at the Sahara and other notable casinos under many hats. In addition to running spotlight, he also did audio/visual work and built video walls.

Ryan was a member of several local bands throughout his life and performed many shows across the valley and out of town, most notably opening for Big Country at a state fair. He was a member of groups Ulterior Motives, Peaceful Words, The Toy Company, and Last Time Around which have produced several EPs and albums. He was always listening to music and had a wide variety taste, from smooth jazz to reggae to 80’s pop. His favorites were The Talking Heads, Sade, and indie pop band Phoenix. Ryan had a passion for cooking where he posted weekly installments of the food he made on Facebook under the name “Uncle Ryan’s Kitchen”, was a massive fan of Chicago baseball team the Cubs, as well as the football team the Bears. He loved traveling and spending time in nature. Ryan endlessly loved his family and children, spending his last years caretaking for his parents, and supporting his daughter’s musical endeavors. He touched many lives through his art, music, general kindness, and generosity.

He is survived by his parents Diane and Lamont Peterson of Henderson, Nevada, older brother Aaron Peterson of Prescott, Arizona, older sister Leigh Plonka and her husband Michael Plonka of Garland, Texas, and his children Rachel Peterson and her fiance Matthew Boyles of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Ryen Peterson of Henderson, Nevada.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother Ruthie Rossi (Clayman), and uncles David and Richard Rossi.

Cremation rights were accorded as requested and there will be no public funeral services. The family will be having a celebration of life for Ryan at a date to be determined.