Kelly Junius Peterson, 36, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away on February 11, 2024. Born in Manhattan, Kansas, on June 15, 1987, Boogie was known for his sensitive nature and his love for cats. He cherished his friends and family deeply.
Kelly, a graduate of Manhattan High School, class of 2006, was an artist from a young age. His passion for drawing started with dinosaurs and evolved to include Batman, the Joker, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, manga, anime, and traditional comics. In high school, he founded an anime activity group that later became an official club, where he served as the first president. Comic conventions, Harry Potter, Doctor Who, Pokémon, and karaoke were among his favorite pastimes.
Boogie is survived by his parents, Kyle and Penny Peterson, his sister and brother-in-law, Kira and David Cook, his uncle Kerry Peterson, aunt and uncle Kevin and Kay Peterson, aunt Jennifer Smith Harvey, and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Walter and Doris Peterson, maternal grandparents Emmett Sr and Marilyn Engstrom, maternal grandmother Judy Smith, and uncles Emmett 'Cass' Engstrom Jr and Kirk Peterson.
A visitation is scheduled for March 2nd, 2024, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Miratsky Memorial Parkview, 1317 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Boogie will be dearly missed by all who knew him, as his artistic talent and kind heart left a lasting impact on those around him. May he rest in peace.