Steven L. "Pete" Peterson

Mankato Mortuary 1001 N. Riverfront Drive Mankato, MN 56001 (507) 388-2202 Steven Lesley "Pete" Peterson, age 67, of Mankato, died Wednesday, December 17, 2014, at Mayo Clinic Health System - Mankato, surrounded by his family. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 23, 2014, at Hilltop United Methodist Church, with Rev. Fred Vanderwerf officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the church. Interment with military honors will be held at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Morson-Ario VFW Post 9713, American Legion Post 11, D.A.V., or donor's choice. Mankato Mortuary handled the arrangements. Steve was born July 6, 1947, in St. Peter to Lesley and Norma (Mogensen) Peterson. He was a 1965 graduate of Rapidan High School. Steve received an Associate's Degree from Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato. He was united in marriage to Karen Christensen in 1968 in North Mankato. They later divorced. Steve served in the U.S. Army in Viet Nam from 1970 until 1971 as a Pathfinder. He was assigned to the 1st Air Cavalry. He was always proud to have served his country as a soldier, and did an excellent job. Steve received several commendations, including the Bronze Star medal for meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces. He completed his education at Mankato State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. In 1973, Steve began a career which would last for 34 years with the Army Reserve Center in Mankato. He was unit administrator for the 492nd Engineers, for the Field Artillery unit, and for the 216th Quartermasters. He was 1st Sargent for the Field Artillery unit. In his administrative role he guided many young troops. He was very well respected by the reservists and the unit commanders. In 1998, Steve retired from his military career as a Master Sargent. He retired from his civil service position in 2007. Steve began volunteering with the Mankato Police Department in 1982, as a Part Time Peace Officer, and coordinated that group for a number of years. He married Paula Graham on August 20, 1983, in Arden Hills. He was a member of the Morson-Ario VFW Post 9713 and American Legion Post 11. What he prized most was spending time with his family and friends, especially his kids and grandkids--to them he was Papa. Steve was an avid reader, especially history, military history, politics and science fiction. Several kids and grandkids would call him to ask questions for school papers they were writing. He loved researching information on the computer, woodworking, working outdoors, tending to his backyard and six apple trees. He was known by many as Pete. Steve is survived by his wife, Paula of Mankato; four children, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Peterson of Mound, Kim (Bartt) Stoltzman of Farmington, Lucas Peterson of Minneapolis, and Adam Peterson of Mankato; four grandchildren, Jacob and Jillian Peterson, and Tyler and Parker Stoltzman; parents, Lesley and Norma Peterson of Rapidan; three brothers, Randy (Gayle) Peterson of North Mankato, Gene (Selena) Peterson of San Diego, CA, and Mark Peterson of Rapidan; also many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other family and friends.