Joseph "Peter" Hernandez

Ladies and gentlemen, gather 'round and prepare to celebrate the life of the one and only Joseph "Peter" Hernandez, a man whose nickname was shorter, but whose laughter was anything but! Born on December 4, 1957, in the sunny plains of El Paso, Texas, Pete brought a little extra brightness to every room he entered. On May 30, 2026, this comedic maestro, cardboard creation wizard, and proud dad of five made his final exit in Kalamazoo, Michigan, leaving behind a legacy filled with belly laughs and big hearts.

Pete was a man of many talents, first and foremost a dedicated director at Keystone Inc., where he found great joy not simply in work but in helping people. That’s right—helping people wasn’t just a job, it was his superpower. When he wasn’t busy being a hero at Keystone, you could find him holding court at the VFW, his natural stage for cracking jokes, entertaining friends, and proving that laughter really is the best medicine. If there was a smile to be had, Peter Hernandez was the guy to deliver it.

In the last five years of his vibrant life, Pete surprised everyone with a new passion—remarkable cardboard creations! Move over craft stores, here came Pete with boxes, scissors, and a wild imagination that turned simple cardboard into remarkable art. It wasn’t just a hobby; it was an explosion of creativity that amazed those lucky enough to witness it in person.

Pete’s proudest accomplishments? Easy. His five daughters, the queens of his heart, each a shining gem in his life’s crown. Alongside them stood two son-in-laws who bravely joined this lively family circus. And let’s not forget the impressive audience of 27 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, who ensured Pete’s legacy will keep the family laughs rolling for generations to come.

He was the eldest of seven siblings, with five brothers and one sister, making family gatherings a legendary event filled with enough energy and noise to power a small city. He is survived by his mother and 6 siblings. 

On his final act, Pete passed comfortably in hospice, surrounded by the love and laughter of his daughters, at the age of 68. And now, as he takes his final bow, we salute a life well-lived—a life full of jokes, cardboard masterpieces, family devotion, and an endless supply of humor that will echo in the hearts of all who knew him.

Here’s to you, Joseph "Peter" Hernandez: may the VFW tables forever have an empty seat with your name on it, and may your jokes continue to brighten the skies above. Rest easy, Peter—you sure earned it!

If you would like to join us in celebrating his life, a memorial will be held on June 13, 2026 at Baker Lake, Peru, IL. It will begin at 1:00. Please use the entrance off Pulaski St. The shelter is near the playground. Family reunions were among Pete's happiest times. In many ways, his memorial will reflect that same spirit- a gathering of family and friends coming together to share memories, laughter, and love in his honor.