Steven Jerome Peters

Unexpectedly, after 6 1/2 years of courageously battling cancer, Steve passed away in the loving arms of his wife, best friend and soulmate, Ruthie (Unger) Peters of over 50 years, and into the arms of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who he had so faithfully served all his life.

Steve will be sadly missed by his wife, his four children and their spouses and his precious 13 grandchildren whom he loved so much and who all adored and loved him.

David (Coralee) Peters and children Brock, Kennedy and Maleea, Melodie (Jason) Chong and children Kody, Kaleb and Kyler, Darlene (Matthew) Woodhouse and children Malachi, Solomon, Tahlia and Hezekiah, Coralie (Tim) Daun and children Ayden, Henry and Freya Daun.

Steve is also survived by brother Rick (Shirley) Peters, sisters Carol (Gary) Giesbrecht, Gloria (Vic) Mench, Kathy (Rod) Alm and Ginny (Mark) Sedlacek and their children.

He is also survived by his wife Ruthie's sisters, Margaret Unrau, Hildie (Gus) LaBelle, Elma (Bruce) Dyck and brothers Eddy (Sylvia) Unger and Henry Unger and all their children.

He is survived by his Aunt Evangeline (John) Neufeld, his Uncle Menno and Aunt Trudy of his mom's siblings and only his Uncle Bill (Gladys) Peters on Dad's side.

Steve was predeceased by his father and mother, Reverend Peter and Hilda Peters and his infant brother, Robert. He was also predeceased by his wife Ruthie's sister Mary (Howard) Portilance, brother John (Ruby) Unger, sister-in-law Kaye Unger, Ruthie's nephews Jim Portilance and Ronald Unrau and his nieces Linda Berdale and Michele LaBelle Riske.

Steve was a wonderful and much treasured husband, father to his children and their spouses, grandfather to his thirteen grandchildren that so loved him and he them. He will be so greatly missed by his sisters and brothers as well as Ruthie's siblings. He will also be missed by his many friends.

Steve met the love of his life, Ruthie while attending Steinbach Bible School (College) for his grade 12 and finished 3 years of Bible School in 2 years while Ruthie worked at the King George Hospital in nursing.

He loved visiting her there or touring Winnipeg with her on weekends. For 2 summers Steve worked in the mine in Thompson. Two and half years of courtship consisted of lots of letters as a result Steve married Ruthie Unger on July 9, 1966.

Steve loved spending time with family and friends. He loved fellowship and food. Most of all he loved to do things with his wife Ruthie, whom he loved so very much. Working together finishing whole basements, dining out, dancing, doing many projects together, singing and relaxing together.

Steve was so proud of his children and excited about each child they had. Later as the grandchildren came along, each one was special.

Steve seemed to be able to do anything and everything. He was well trained in electronics and with his skills he built many stereos and speakers for others as a job.

Steve had taken 2 years of RCA from Montreal, which he finished in 1967, then received an RCA of Proficiency in 1969.

Steve took a 4 year course in carpentry at Red River College, with 4 years of practical under apprenticeship with Pete Kroeker. Steve worked with Pete Kroeker Construction for many years building houses, from basements to the finish work. He received his diploma in 1975. Steve became a master of finished carpentry. His work was outstanding and he was able to build his dream home.

Steve also became an accomplished photographer. He studied everything he possibly could in photography. He did a lot of nature photography and in 1994 began doing wedding photography with his wife Ruthie as his assistant on weekends. He was in the photo club for a few years, did critiquing and won best photo across Canada.

Steve together with his wife, worked in Stoney Mountain Penitentiary for a number of years in rehabilitation with prisoners.

Steve also worked many years in the inner city together with his wife to heal the broken and feed and clothe them. Steve's motto was always that he had been "saved to serve". He certainly did that helping anyone he could. Steve and Ruthie also worked together with the Children's Wish Foundation for approximately 17 years.

He also had the opportunity to work for his son David in the roofing exterior business and loved the extra time spent with his son.

Steve was a wonderful Bible teacher who knew his bible and gleaned nuggets of truth that were so interesting.

Steve loved to garden and besides the garden every year, Ruthie and he also grew strawberries and raspberries so that he could take his family on 2 trips to British Columbia and the Black Hills.

Steve and Ruthie were so blessed to be able to travel more after the children grew up and travels took them to England, Wales, Holland, Texas and into San Antonio, with tropical South Carolina vacations with daughter Darlene's family, to Hilton Head, Edesto Beach and the Isle of Palms. Then, in 2013 they had a chance to go to Australia to visit daughter Coralie and family. Travels also included visits to Abbotsford to see Melodie and family, as well as Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario.

Although he left us much too soon, Steve was able to walk all 3 of his daughters down the aisle at their weddings. He enjoyed 50 years of marriage with his wife Ruthie on July 9th with a big celebration at Morrow Gospel Church on July 16th.

Steve loved singing and in the 1970's quartet made a record called "The Fruit of the Spirit Quartet" He also sang with his family in various places and later in worship teams.

Steve accomplished much in his 71 years but what is the most important is his strong faith and trusting walk with his God. Steve's faith remained strong despite of what the outcome of his cancer and illness would be.

Our family is so proud of you for the loving and caring example you have been to us and to others. The Lord himself will give you a crown of righteousness because you, our wonderful husband and father has trusted in your Savior and Lord.

* * * * * * * * * *

Suddenly, after a courageous battle with cancer, Steve passed away in the loving arms of his wife and his best friend and soulmate Ruthie Peters to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Steve will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife Ruthie of over 50 years and children David (Coralee)Peters, Melodie (Jason)Chong, Darlene (Matthew)Woodhouse, and Coralie (Tim)Daun. Brother Rick (Shirley)Peters, sisters Carol (Gary)Giesbrecht, Gloria (Vic)Mensch, Kathy (Rod)Alm, and Ginny (Mark)Sedelak. 13 Grandchildren, Brock,Kennedy,and Maleea Peters, Kody,Kaleb and Kyler Chong, Malachi,Solomon,Tahlia and Hezekiah Woodhouse, and Ayden, Henry and Freya Daun. Numerous brother and sister in laws, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and many,many friends. Steve was predeceased by his father and mother Reverend Peter and Hilda Peters his infant brother Robert and niece Michelle Labelle.

Steve met the love of his life Ruthie while attending Steinbach Bible Institute and they later married in 1966. Steve was creative, and skilled and enjoyed electronics and woodworking and chose a career in the carpentry field in which he would become an absolute master of finishing carpentry. He also was an accomplished photographer and enjoyed spending time with his family and his friends with his wife and lifemate companion Ruthie at his side. Easy going with a gentle nature, Steve always had a big smile on his face and was always willing to lend a hand at all times to anyone. His faith and walk with God was profound and unfaltering to the very end throughout his battle, whatever the outcome.

Steve the singing, smiling, songbird's celebration of life will be held Friday, October 28 at 10am at Morrow Gospel Church 755 St. Annes Road. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Abundant Hope Ministries, Children's Make A Wish Foundation or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank everyone for the kindness and support given by anyone who knew Steve.

Burial will be held by the family later in Steinbach.