Chad Richard Peterson, 36, died unexpectedly on Nov. 22, 2010, at his home in Las Vegas, Nev.

A celebration of Chad’s life will be held at Thorne Crest Retirement Center from 1 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 4. Family and friends also gathered in Las Vegas on Nov. 27.

Chad’s remains were placed at Red Stone Dunes in Lake Mead National Park, one of Chad’s favorite places.

Chad was born Dec. 27, 1973, in Forest City, Iowa. He was raised in Albert Lea and graduated in 1992 from Albert Lea High School. He furthered his education in both Austin and the Twin Cities which launched his successful computer career. Because Chad was top in his field, he was given tremendous opportunities with companies such as Compaq, Medtronic, American Express, Peter Lik, I Do Diamonds, and their partners across the globe.

Chad is survived by his parents: Rick and Kathy Peterson and Becky and Gary Jensen, all of Albert Lea; grandparents: Robert and Mary Lou Jacobson and Oscar Jensen all of Albert Lea; siblings: Heidi (Peterson) and husband Dennis Morrissey of Las Vegas, Nev., Chris and Laura Weseman and Nicky (Jensen) Johnson all of Albert Lea, Angela (Weseman) and husband, Brian Webb, of Bowling Green, Kent., Jarrod Jensen and Melissa of Omaha, Neb., and Janelle (Jensen) and husband, Cory Vagt, Lake City. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Chad will be dearly missed by his very special friend, Christine Sajona, of Las Vegas, Nev.

Chad was preceded in death by his grandparents: Frances and Marie Zahratka of Montgomery, Carl and Louise Peterson and Bernice Jensen of Albert Lea; and a niece and two nephews in infancy.