Stephen Roger Petersen, age 67 of Blaine, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2018 at home surrounded by family and dear friends.

Steve was born on May 3, 1951 in St. Paul, MN. After graduating high-school in 1969, he bravely fulfilled three tours of duty in Vietnam where he discovered his passion and talent for diesel mechanics.

Upon his honorable discharge from the United States Army in March 1972, he met the love of his life, Roxann Freund. He attended Staples Area Vocational Technical Institute for diesel mechanics and then married Roxann in October 1974. They made their home in Blaine, MN where they were blessed with two children, Lisa and Mike. Steve used his creative mind and hydraulics expertise during his 38.5 years employed by Aspen Equipment (formerly Road Machinery & Supply). His time spent as a field service mechanic allowed him to make many friends in the industry, and those relationships proved to be invaluable to him as foreman of the Service Department until his retirement in October 2012.

Countless summers spent as a "farm kid" near Darwin, MN cultivated a love for farming in Steve. Becoming the owner of a 1953 wide front Farmall Super M in 2003 was a fulfilling moment in his life and a passion he has passed onto his son and grandsons.

In his "retirement" he spent time working for Lefebvre & Sons, patiently listening and creating all of Roxann's ideas for yard ornaments and sprinklers, deer hunting at the Tree Farm and fishing at South Turtle. Vehicle restoration (including his 1974 Ford) and picking through "boneyards" for the perfect used part also consumed his time.

He will be remembered for his relentless work ethic and mechanical expertise, his willingness to help others, his old-school attitude and great sense of humor, and above all his love for his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Steve is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Roxann; children, Lisa (Chad) Sailor and Mike (Gretchen) Petersen; grandchildren, Jocelyn, Andraya, Morgan and Ryan; life-long best friend of over 60 years, Tom (Carol) Mitchell; along with many other loving family and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Elizabeth (Gibis) Petersen; Dear Aunt Caroline and Uncle Jim Petersen.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the wonderful caregivers at Heartland Hospice who were there for the last days of his 14-month courageous battle with cancer.

Visitation at Thurston-Lindberg-DeShaw Funeral Home, Andover from 5-8 pm on Monday, November 19 and one-hour prior to Funeral at 11:00 am Tuesday, November 20. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 1:00 pm followed by luncheon at VFW Post 7555, Roseville.

Memorials may be directed to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation and/or the Veterans Campground on Big Marine Lake, 11300 - 180th St. No., Marine on St. Croix, MN   55047

Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home
Andover 763-767-7373
www.thurston-deshaw.com