Father Steven James Peterson

Rev. Steven J. Peterson, a devoted priest of the Diocese of Winona‑Rochester, was born on January 8, 1946, to Raymond Joseph Peterson and Hildegarde Marie Peterson. He entered eternal life on December 22, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and steadfast pastoral care. Before discerning his call to the priesthood, Father Peterson lived a full and industrious professional life as an entrepreneur, real estate agent, and manager—roles in which he developed the leadership, interpersonal skills, and work ethic that later enriched his ministry. He also proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy from October 1, 1965, to July 10, 1967, receiving an honorable discharge.

Father Peterson’s path to the priesthood was shaped not only by his academic and spiritual formation but also by a profound pilgrimage to Medjugorje. That journey deepened his devotion and left him with a lifelong, tender affection for Mother Mary, who held a special place in his heart throughout his ministry.

His formal preparation for priesthood included years of study at Mankato State University from 1972 to 1976, followed by theological formation at the University of Saint Thomas and the Saint Paul Seminary in St. Paul from 1990 to 1994. He was ordained a deacon on December 8, 1993, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona, and was ordained to the priesthood on June 15, 1994, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart by the Most Rev. John G. Vlazny.

Throughout his ministry, Father Peterson served with humility and dedication across numerous parishes in southern Minnesota. His early assignments included St. John’s in Rochester, followed by pastoral leadership in Heron Lake, Brewster, Lakefield, Harmony, Canton, Mabel, Spring Valley, Grand Meadow, LeRoy, Blooming Prairie, and Hayfield. In addition to parish ministry, he offered his gifts to the wider Church through service on the Bishop’s Advisory Council, the Priests’ Pension Board, the Presbyteral Council, and as Dean of the Austin/Albert Lea Deanery. He also supported the work of the Council of Catholic Women in multiple regions. Even after entering retirement on July 1, 2015, Father Peterson continued to assist parishes and later served at Saint Mary Magdalene Parish in Gilbert, Arizona.

Father Peterson found great joy in traveling, especially when guiding pilgrims on journeys of faith. Over the years, he led countless groups to Israel and the Holy Land, as well as to Italy, Ireland, and many other sacred and historic destinations. These pilgrimages were among his greatest passions, allowing him to share his deep love for Scripture, history, and spiritual discovery with those who traveled alongside him.

Beyond his ministry, Father Peterson was known for his warm humor and playful spirit. He loved to laugh, tell jokes, and gently tease the people he cared about. He enjoyed staying active, often running or walking up to five miles a day, and he never underestimated the restorative power of a good nap. An adventurous eater, he delighted in trying new foods wherever he traveled—but his favorite treat of all was pistachio gelato, which he savored with childlike joy.

Father Peterson was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Joseph and Hildegarde Marie Peterson; his brother, Raymond Michael Peterson; his daughter prior to ordination, Jennifer Bredehoeft of Emma, Missouri; his brother‑in‑law, David Norris; and one niece, Lori Sue.

He is survived by his sister, Suzanne Norris of Rochester, Minnesota; his grandchildren, Kendra Mueller‑Hemme of Concordia, Missouri, and Kullen Mueller of Britton, South Dakota; his great‑grandchildren; and several beloved nieces and nephews. His life was marked by compassion, quiet strength, humor, and unwavering commitment to the people he served. His ministry touched countless lives, and his memory will remain a blessing to all who knew him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin. The visitation will take place one hour prior to Mass on Friday at the church. Interment will be at a later date in Calvary Cemetery, Austin. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Diocese of Winona-Rochester Pension Plan for Priests, Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona, MN, or Food for the Poor. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.