Carol Jean (Steege) Peterson

Carol (Steege) Peterson was peacefully called to her home in heaven on Thursday, October 29. Carol’s family would like to acknowledge our gratitude to the staff of Root River Estates, Stewartville Care Center, and Seasons Hospice for the kindness and compassion extended to Carol and her family.

Carol was born on December 25, 1931 to Theodore and Alice Steege in Pine Island, Minnesota. On November 10, 1951 she was married to Shirley “Pete” Peterson at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Pine Island. Carol and Pete raised three children in the home they built in rural Rochester. Carol always worked hard. She took a position in the Bookkeeping Department for Sears when it opened in the new Crossroads Shopping Center in 1963. She was there until 1979 when she left Sears and enrolled in a truck driving program. Upon completion, she joined Pete, driving semi-truck for International Transport. They purchased their own truck in 1981 and together hauled loads across the US and Canada, logging over 1.6 million miles before retiring. Carol and Pete enjoyed their retirement, working on their farm, participating in services and activities at Zumbro Lutheran Church, attending functions for their grandkids, playing cards and visiting with friends, and loving their family.

Carol is surivived by her thee children, Ron (Betty) Peterson, Kathy (Dennis Maloney) McLaughlin, and Lisa (Gerald) Pommerening; six grandchildren, Joanna (Marvin) Billings, Jennifer (Guy) Durkee, Jackie (Chad) Erickson, James (Emily) McLaughlin, Kyle (Coralie) Peterson, and Amanda Torgerson; and 14 great-grandchildren – Noah Billings, Hope, Nolan, Grace, and Joy Durkee, Maya and Elijah Erickson, Aubrey and Evan McLaughlin, and Matthew, Jesse, Amalia, Danen, and Isaiah Peterson. Also surviving are her siblings, Theodora (Harold) Batzer, Juanita (James) Miller, and Alan (Terry) Steege; brother-in-law Floyd (Arlene) Peterson, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Pete; and her parents.

Funeral services will be held Thursday November 5 at 2:00 PM at Grace Evangelical Free Church, 702 1st St. E, in Stewartville. The Reverend Jason Bryan-Wegner will officiate. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 5:00 to 7:30 PM at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Rochester Chapel. The visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.