Steven Lee Petersen

Steven Lee Petersen was born to Wendall and Lydia Petersen September, 9 1952. He was born on an airforce base in Wichita Falls, Texas and raised in Riverside, California. After graduating from High School he enlisted in the army during the Vietnam War. While in Vietnam he was shot 7 times in the left arm and leg. He spent nearly a year in the hospital at March air force base. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. Afterwards he was stationed at Fort riley Kansas where he met his future wife Sherry in a chance meeting on a trip to his uncle’s house in Nebraska. They were married in June of 1973.

When he returned to civilian life he began working on his family and finding a way to support that family working at several places including Alcoa Aluminum where he worked on F-16 canopies. In 1974 Steve and Sherry welcomed their first son Brian.

He eventually ended up at a at a small Texaco station in Riverside, California down the street from where he lived. While money was scarce, love was plentiful and food was always on the table. In 1978 Steve and Sherry welcomed their second son Brandon.

Steve taught his children that you can be stern but still loving. You can expect yourself to rise above while still staying grounded, and that even the strongest man needs a little help every now and again.

Always the joker he could never let a conversation go without adding some levity to lighten the mood. Loving to here laughter he spent his days playing with his sons and later playing with his grandchildren. A great day to him would be playing catch in the yard, having a barbeque and being surrounded by his family.

While Steven Lee Petersen was not a great man by societal standards, nor did he accomplish some great task that has changed the world as we know it. He was however a great father and grandfather, loving and loyal husband, and a cherished son and brother. For those who knew Steve their lives were enriched and better for it. He was kind, understanding, and always willing to lend a hand. He loved old cars, playing in the yard, and most of all spending time with his family.

His lessons will never be forgotten and neither will his life.

May he rest in peace and his name live on in those closest to his heart.

Love, always and forever.