Isaac Wayne Peterson, a beacon of musical talent and compassionate care, left this world far too soon on March 19, 2025, in his hometown of Topeka, Kansas. Born on May 12, 2006, to Melissa (Pheasant) Siegfreid and Steven Peterson, Isaac’s life was a melody composed of intelligence, passion, and friendliness that resonated with everyone he met.
Isaac’s early education in Topeka laid the foundation for his academic and musical achievements. He graduated from Washburn Tech with a High School diploma and a certification as a Nursing Assistant. His love for music led him to pursue a major in Music Performance at Washburn University, where he was a dedicated freshman at the time of his passing.
Isaac was making career decisions and exploring his options. He respected the medical profession and was inspired by his dad and grandmother’s careers in nursing. He worked for a time as a Patient Care Technician at Stormont-Vail Hospital. He also loved the idea of a career in music and teaching – inspired by his mother’s career as an educator.
From the age of nine, Isaac’s life was deeply intertwined with music. He played the cello with a passion that was both profound and inspiring. As a member of the Topeka Cello Collective for seven years, he shared his gift with the community, bringing joy and solace through his performances. His exceptional talent was recognized with two scholarships to attend the prestigious Blanche Bryden Institute, and he was a cherished participant in the Sunflower Music Festival.
Isaac’s legacy is carried on by his loving family, including his parents, Melissa Siegfreid (Monty), and Steven Peterson; his sisters, Emily and Bethany Peterson; step-siblings Micah, Isaiah, and Adah Siegfreid; grandparents, Mark Pheasant (Debby) and Nancy Pheasant (Charlie), Jimmy Peterson and Thomas Moon; aunts, Jane (Pheasant) Batterman (Keith), Jean Pheasant, Stacie Haas, Stephanie Elliot; and a host of cousins who will miss his bright spirit. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Sharon Moon, whose memory he held close to his heart.
Isaac had a second family – his orchestra family. His teachers and fellow students who worked hard to master their musical skills and through the years became trusted companions and Isaac’s closest friends. They worked hard and laughed together even harder. They entertained and inspired us with incredible and sometimes magical music performances, blessing our hearts and ears.
The mentorship and guidance provided by Erinn Reyner helped Isaac grow as a musician and in life. From Erinn, “Isaac will always be in my heart because he made me want to be a better person like him. In this regard, I guess the master had become the student and the student the master. For this I will always be grateful to have had the blessing of knowing this precious soul.”
Those who knew Isaac will remember him as a young man who lived his life with an infectious enthusiasm and a genuine love for those around him. His intelligence shone through in every endeavor he undertook, and his passion for music and caring for others was evident to all.
Isaac had a strong Christian faith and he trusted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He prayed for his friends and family to know the saving grace of Jesus.
As we remember Isaac Wayne Peterson, we celebrate the indelible mark he left on the world in his impactful eighteen years. His melody may have ceased too soon, but the echoes of his life’s song will continue to inspire and uplift those who were fortunate enough to have been a part of his audience. Isaac’s memory will be cherished forever in the hearts of those who loved him.
“Isaac was our brother, but also our best friend.” Emily & Bethany
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 10:00 am at Fellowship Bible Church, 6800 SW 10th Ave, Topeka KS 66615.
