Kevin C. Peura of Kettle River passed away peacefully at Essentia Health - Moose Lake on June 26, 2025. Born on September 20, 1953, Kevin was the proud son of John E. and M. Mardell (Beberg) Peura.

Kevin took immense pride in his family and cherished the moments spent with Rowdy, his best companion. He often expressed having two wonderful children, his son John and daughter Heidi (Aaron). From those blue eyes and blue-collar appearance, Kevin was quick with project quotes or words of wisdom. There was one time he turned in his Carhartts for a yellow-checkered sports coat.  During his school years, Kevin was consistently a “B” student, which his teachers commented that he was what colleges looked for in students.

A graduate of Kettle River and Moose Lake, Kevin maintained friendships with several of his classmates over the years. His professional life was diverse, with associations in logging, road maintenance, heavy equipment, sewers, and farming. His early career saw him working on the Iron Range and in Iowa, illustrating his versatility and dedication across various fields. Before returning to Kettle River and starting his own small business that became Peura Contracting, Inc. In Kevin’s youth, Kevin spent time at Nelson’s Resort on Crane Lake.

Kevin had a deep sense of community service, volunteering as a firefighter with the Kettle River Fire Department and partnering with the MN DNR to combat area wildfires with his heavy equipment. His willingness to assist others was well-known, and he played a significant role in establishing the Ma & Pa Kettle Days mud bog pit, an annual event he prepared for many years.

Kevin was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Ailie Peura and Charles and May Biberg; his uncles, aunts, father, John, stepfather, Bunky Marsyla and his beloved mother, Mardell Marsyla. He was also preceded by Fern Isaacson, his partner of nearly eighteen years.

Kevin is survived by Rowdy, his children, his children’s mother, several aunts and an uncle, a series of cousins, friends, neighbors and some that considered Kevin a “close personal friend.”

Kevin expressed his appreciation for all those who visited him at Essentia Health – Moose Lake, it “made him feel loved.”

Kevin's contributions to Kettle River’s lore are not merely confined to the pages of history but are written in the hearts of those he has inspired. Kevin’s endeavors, whether they were rooted in community-building, storytelling, or the preservation of tradition, have carved out a space that resonates far beyond his immediate circle. Kevin’s legacy encompasses the warmth of his presence, the wisdom of his insights, and the enduring effect of his actions. Kevin will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Thank you to the care teams that provided exceptional care and professionalism throughout Kevin’s last few months. 

Kevin was fond of the Lawrence Welk Show it seems appropriate to close with “And now 'til we meet again.” As the late Walter Cronkite closed his broadcasts “and that's the way it is.”

Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday, July 20, 2025. “Come as you are” and join John, Heidi and Aaron at the Barnum Event Center, Barnum, MN between Noon and 2pm.