On January 24, a devastating fire destroyed the longtime home shared by two deeply loved families in the community. Members of the Peterson and Larson families—including young children—were present at the time of the fire, and thankfully everyone escaped safely. However, the home and everything inside were completely destroyed. Firefighters shared that this was one of the most severe residential fires they had ever seen. For over 20 years, this home had been the center of life for both families- built by Kerry and Chris in 2001 and recently had the Larson family move in with them, they lost everything yesterday. This includes all of the children’s belongings, birth keepsakes, treasured memorabilia, family heirlooms, and generations of irreplaceable memories—photo books and personal mementos that can never be replaced. The loss has been devastating, leaving both families shaken as they face uncertainty about what comes next.

To know the Petersons is to know how deeply they value family and memories. This house meant so much to them, especially after the Larson family and their three children moved in this past summer. It quickly became what they lovingly called their “dream kid house”—a place filled with laughter, play, and big plans for the future. From three floors of space to run and play, to toys and hockey gear scattered throughout the house, to the backyard rink they were so excited to build again as Owen started hockey, this home was meant to be where childhood memories were made and family traditions continued.

In the immediate aftermath, the Larson and Peterson families need funds to help cover temporary housing, basic necessities, and items that can help the children feel safe and comforted during this incredibly difficult transition. Any support—whether through a donation or by sharing this fundraiser—would mean so much and will help these families begin the process of rebuilding and finding stability again. Families impacted:

This fundraiser is supporting two families who shared this home and this life together: