Christopher S. “Chris” Peterson, age 37, of Asbury, IA, lost his hard fought battle with cancer on March 13, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Chris’ life, a Celebration of Life will be held.  Complete arrangements are pending.  Inurnment will be in the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque, IA, at a later date. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Chris’ family.

Chris was born on October 26, 1988, in Dubuque, IA, to Carl “Pete” and. Mary (Brimeyer) Peterson. Jr.  He was gifted with a kind heart and a gentle nature, with both being perfectly coupled under an umbrella of a positive outlook no matter what life presented.  Chris worked as a line cook primarily, with his most recent job being with his friends at Buffalo Wild Wings.  He gave his best at all times and even during his courageous battle with cancer, still insisted on working as much as he could.

In his free-time, Chris found many joys in life.  Heavy metal music was always present on his playlist and catching a live concert whenever he could was always considered to be time well spent.  He was able to attend his last concert on his birthday weekend with his best friend, Andy Spoerre last October. He was also an accomplished gamer and Magic the Gathering card player.  He would regularly spend his evenings working through the games of choice with his son, Asher, using WhatsApp, and most recently was able to beat the game, Bloodborne, despite limited use of his left hand, declaring that “I still got it” when the mission was completed.

Chris was also a strong-willed individual who faced life’s challenges head on, while always looking for the bright side of the options in front of him.  Whether it was his cancer diagnosis, or his two decades battle with alcohol, Chris knew that ultimately he had what it would take to face both with courage and determination.  Chris was very proud of his sobriety.  Many would say that he came out on the other side of conquering alcohol in his life as a new person.  He reemerged as the ever-helpful and unwavering positive person that was always inside just waiting to be released from that temporary prison once again.  To witness his funny and goofy side reign freely was not only a joy for Chris, but for all of those around him as well.  Chris was a beloved son, brother, uncle. cousin. and friend.

It’s difficult to imagine the pain of Chris’ physical absence we must face now, but we know that the 37 years we were blessed with his presence contains many wonderful memories we will be able to lean into moving forward.  Thank you, Chris, for reminding us that life’s journey isn’t always as we would wish, but can be as good as we choose to make it.  Your love, light and legacy will live on vividly within our hearts and minds until we see your precious smile once again.  May the Lord bless and keep you safe in His loving arms until then.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Chris include,

his mother,
Mary Birch, Asbury, IA;

his step-father,
Brian Birch, Asbury, IA;

his son,
Asher Peterson, Ferndale, MI;

his siblings,
Nicholas “Nick” (Cassie) Peterson, Hopkinton, IA,
Alexander “Alex” Peterson, Dubuque, IA,
Hannah (Curran Carlile) Birch, Portland, OR,
and Tyler (Riyan) Birch, Dubuque, IA;

his friend and co-parent,
Jessi (Aman) Shah, Ferndale, MI;

his aunts and uncles,
Jim (Aya) Brimeyer, Hazel Green, WI,
Tom Brimeyer, Dubuque, IA,
Brian (Martina) Metcalf, Greuben-Neudorf, Germany,
Judy Brimeyer, Columbia, TN, and
Charlie Peterson, St. Donatus, IA,

his best friend,
Andy (Emily) Spoerre, LaPorte City, IA;

along with numerous extended family and friends.

Chris was preceded in death by his father; his grandparents, Adella (Earl) Metcalf, Carl (Pat) Peterson Sr., Theresa Trimback, and Cletus Francis Brimeyer; and his uncle, Cletus John Brimeyer.

Chris’ family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the University of Iowa Hospital, especially those in the MICU, Stem-Cell Transplant Unit, Dr. Mark Smith and Dr. Kit Poonsombudlert.  The level of care and support Chris and his family received was truly a gift during these most difficult days and they are forever grateful for each and every individual who held their hands and hearts along the way.

Online condolences may be shared with Chris’ family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com