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Steven M. Peterson
July 15, 1950 – October 22, 2020
Steve Peterson, beloved husband and father, successful businessman and spiritual mentor to countless Christians in Omaha and around the world, died Oct. 22, 2020. Steve dedicated his life to advancing the gospel and built a prodigious legacy that touched lives on five continents. More than anything else, Steve was devoted to his Savior, Jesus Christ, his wife, Mindy, and their three children. Twenty years before his death, Steve Peterson founded Fresh Start, which has become a global ministry dedicated to helping people deal with issues of the heart, including helping them to forgive one another.
Steve was born in 1950 in Fremont, Nebraska, to Donald E. and Marjorie J. Peterson. He spent his early childhood years on an acreage outside Fremont, where he developed a lifelong love of horses. Steve's favorite horse was Lassie San. In 1965, competing alongside his father, Steve and Lassie San won competitions at 4-H, Aksarben, and at the Nebraska State Fair. Around the same time, Steve developed a passion for Nebraska football, which has been passed on to his two sons.
After graduating from Fremont High School in 1968, Steve attended Midland Lutheran College, where he lettered in golf multiple years, and led the college to a conference title. More important, it was at Midland that Steve met and married Mindy, the love of his life and wife of 49 years.
After graduating with a degree in business, he joined Don Peterson and Associates as a realtor, eventually becoming Vice President and Partner. In 1978, he was elected President of the Fremont Board of Realtors, and the Fremont Jaycees honored him with its Outstanding Young Man Award.
Despite this commercial success, Steve felt a strong call to full-time ministry. In 1981, he left his business and moved his family to Phoenix, Arizona, to begin training in biblical counseling at Neues Laben (New Life). The next year, he was offered the position of director of counseling at Neus Laben, but instead moved his family back to Nebraska to join the staff of Trinity Church, as counseling and family pastor.
For the next 25 years, Steve served as a pastor and eventually as associate pastor at Trinity, under the leadership of the Rev. Elmer Murdoch. During this time, he built a multi-faceted counseling department – Complete in Christ Ministries – which had a vision of reaching not just the congregation of Trinity, but also the city of Omaha and the world. This vision ultimately led Steve to found Fresh Start for All Nations in 2000. Today, Fresh Start is a thriving international ministry, with operations in countries around the world.
Steve is survived by his wife, Mindy; their three children, Justin Peterson (Kiersten) of Washington, D.C., Joshua Peterson (Kristin) of Houston, Texas, Joy Chatfield (Kappes) of Omaha; brother, Jeffrey Peterson (Shelly) of Fremont; sister, Amy Havekost (Scott) of Franklin, Indiana; sister, Jill Scott (Richard) of Austin, Texas; and nine grandchildren.
Visitation following CDC guidelines: Sunday, Nov. 1, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the West Center Chapel. Funereal service: Monday, Nov. 2, 1 p.m. Westside Church (15050 W. Dodge Rd.) Family Interment: Memorial Cemetery in Fremont, Nebraska. Memorials are suggested to Fresh Start for All Nations, P.O. Box 540373, Omaha, Nebraska 68154 - https://freshstartforallnations.org/donate/.
To view a live broadcast of the service, go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the "View Live Service" button on the homepage.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler Mortuaries - West Center Chapel.
I AM SO SHOCKED TO HEAR OF STEVE'S PASSING. I HAVE KNOWN THE PETERSON FAMILY FOR A LONG, LONG, TIME. MY CONDOLES GO OUT TO MINDY, THE CHILDREN AND JEFF. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AT THIS TIME. JON CADY A GOOD FRIEND.
JON CADY
November 11, 2020
Nancy and I wanted to extend our thoughts and prayers to the entire Peterson family.
Wishing you strength and peace during this hard time.
Sincerely,
Tim Trysla
Timothy P Trysla
November 9, 2020
My heart goes out to Mindy and their family as you celebrate Steve´s life. His teaching and counsel touched me in so many ways, always pointing all of us away from little g gods and toward our capital L Lord. Enjoy your reward!!
Karen (Shafer) Vinson
November 4, 2020
So many lives Pastor Steve has touched and influenced with God's love. YES, "more than one thing can be true at the same time", we'll miss you here and we're excited for your presence in heaven
Michael Moehring
November 3, 2020
I am very sorry to hear Pastor Steve has passed. What an amazing man. I was in the original Fresh Start class in the Douglas County Jail. He and Bernie showed me things about myself and my God that carried me through my incarceration. Heaven rejoice as an angel returns home. I´m praying for the family, the church, and the ministry. God bless.
Oliver Wilson
November 3, 2020
I was shocked to hear of Steve´s passing today. Mindy my heart breaks deeply for you and your family. I have so many wonderful memories of Steve and you. I was and am very thankful that you two were amazing cheerleaders for Crane Coffee. I know from experience how, during the grieving process, God does walk with you. Know that I am here for you and any time you need a sisterhood shoulder, please call at any hour, day or night. 402-598-4062. Love you dear heart and praying for you and family.
Paulette Hammerstrom Spath
November 2, 2020
Saddened to hear about Steve's passing. I was in a very dark place in my life. Steve's love and direction in Christ will never be forgotten. Sue and I love you Steve and we will never forget your love brother. We send are love to Mindy.
Randy and Sue Baker
November 2, 2020
So saddened to hear of Steve´s passing. We have many memories of Steve and your family at Trinity. May God bless you and your family during this difficult time. With our deepest sympathy. Ed and Pat Short
Ed and Pat Short
November 2, 2020
I am saddened to hear of the passing of a dear friend and brother. Steve was full of love for others and demonstrated how to consider others as more important than himself. He made everyone fell important, and wonderful. :-) I am so sorry for the loss your family is experiencing. The memories he leaves behind are precious.
Todd Kangas
November 1, 2020
Sorry to hear but glad we will meet in Heaven. Love JoAnn
Jo Wesemann
November 1, 2020
We are so sorry, Mindy and family for loss. We are glad to know we will see him again in glory!
Lonnie and Jackie Mahr
November 1, 2020
My thoughts are with Mindy and Steve´s family during thus difficult time. Steve was a great person. I have so many memories of our college years. He was in my wedding too. When I read all of the things he accomplished in life, I realize how dedicated he was to his beliefs. He will be missed.
Bob Peterson
October 31, 2020
Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers! So sad, we are sorry to hear of your loss! Joyful to know Steve is with his Lord and Savior.
Kandy & Don Leath
October 30, 2020
Steve was a great friend when we were in 4-H and Quarter Horses always looked out for all. Those were wonderful days and I know god is blessing him. Sending our deepest condolences. Susan Clover Christopher, we also bought one of Steve's horses Lee Marie, she was wonderful. May you all be at peace.
Susan Christopher
October 30, 2020
Lynell and Jolene Klassen
October 30, 2020
Steve had a way of brightening your day. . He would smile and say you are wonderful. . We enjoy Fresh Start perhaps it didn't even have an official name. . He was good with names and loved to put people first. . We rejoice with him as he joins his cousin Ty in heaven. . That will be quite a time. . Blessings and prayers to Mindy and family.
Gary and Mary Gillespie
October 29, 2020
Like so many Steve and Mindy have shepherd me. At Trinity and beyond. He left such a legacy of "preparing the bride." May you all feel God´s tangible comfort and peace.
Sally Turco
October 29, 2020
Mark Pinkerton
October 29, 2020
I have been profoundly affected by Steve´s life and ministry in Christ!
I have often quoted Steve saying "more than one thing can be true".
So sorry for your loss, Mindy.
We will see Isaac and Steve soon,
a thousand years are like a day in heaven.
Mark Pinkerton
October 29, 2020
Mindy, Justin, Josh & Joy, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of Steve. We where so honored to have you as neighbors in Harvey Oaks for all those years. We missed you so much when we had to move. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Judy and Tim McGuire
October 29, 2020
Steve´s words I had heard decades ago go had run through my head recently, "More than one thing can be true at the same time." That surely is very real now with the contrast of his promotion and the deep loss felt by Mindy and the family. I am so sorry for your loss. May your extreme loss be met with the the equally deep, deep love and care of our Father.
Shawna Hanquist Medema
October 29, 2020
Sincere condolence to Mindy and family. Sending prayers for peace and understanding.
Brad Young
October 28, 2020
Dear Mindy, You have our deepest sympathy for the loss of your lifemate, particularly under difficult Pandemic restrictions. Surely Steve walks in fullness of life now. May the memories of your love & ministry comfort you and your family in the coming days.
Mick & Annette Anzalone
October 28, 2020
My favorite thing about Steve was the way he loved Mindy. Mindy, I am so very sorry for your deep loss. Sending so much love.
Sabina Featherston
October 28, 2020
We are very sad to hear of Steve's passing from us here on God's earth. Ali worked with Steve in the counseling office of Trinity Church and I saw him several times at the KGBI radio on his way to the studio to record a commercial message for Fresh Start. He was always exhibiting the "fruit of the Spirit".. love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. He was a true Christian man. We are happy for him in heaven and we pray for strength to Mindy and their family.
Ken J Wesely and Ali Wesely
October 27, 2020
Steve was the first person who was able to pierce my shell and head me out to freedom. I will never forget his kindness and his intense credibility as a Believer and Image-bearer of Jesus. Thank you, Mindy, for sharing him with all of us. I am saddened for you, but rejoice with Steve.
Rose Kendall
October 27, 2020
Mindy, so sorry for your great loss! Steve was the picture of letting his light shine before men; his positivity was always so contagious. The world has lost a wonderful person... praise God that this is only a "see you later" and not a goodbye.
Maureen Naumann
October 27, 2020
Jesus comfort each of you. I so enjoyed Steve's Fresh Start Class. You're treasure in heaven.
Deby Arant
October 26, 2020
Praying for Mindy and family. Am so thankful fir Pastor Steve`s Counseling Class years ago.
Anne Snyder
October 26, 2020
loved our brother in Christ and prays for Mindy and family.
art huerta
October 25, 2020
my deepest sympathy to you.Many great memories from the days of Trinity.Mary Jo Mougey
Mary Jo Mougey.
October 25, 2020
We are truly sorry for you all. Praising Jesus for Steve..thanking Him for His hope & assurance for our glorious eternity with Him. Hugs of love to you sweet Mindy and to Josh, Justin & Joy
Susie and Sam Costanzo
October 25, 2020
My deepest sympathies to Mindy and the family. Pastor Steve brought new freedom to my life. A great loss but he is with the Lord. May our God bring comfort, he will be missed.
Marylynn Ludwig
October 25, 2020
"Dreamed I went to heaven, you were there with me,
We walked along the streets of gold, beside the crystal sea,
We heard the angels singing, then someone called your name,
You turned and saw a young man, he was smiling as he came...
He said "friend, you may not know me now, but then he said "just wait"..
"You used to teach my Sunday School when I was only eight..every week you would say a prayer before the class would start...one morning when you said that prayer, I asked Jesus in my heart...
Thank you, for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed....
Thank you, for giving to the Lord...I am so glad you gave..."
Dave and Betty Klingemann, Punta Gorda, Florida
October 25, 2020
I just watched Love Church and learned of Pastor Steve's passing..I am heart-broken..I attended a Fresh Start series, and it was amazing..God brought an angel on earth home..prayers for his lovely family.
Jacqueline Reed
October 25, 2020
We are deeply saddened to hear that Steve is gone, but rejoice knowing that he is with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We send love and sympathy to Mindy and the entire family.
Cindy Regier
October 25, 2020
So very sorry to hear of your great loss, but we know he is rejoicing in the presence of the Lord! We have such fond memories of Family Camps so long ago and his good-natured sense of humor and his ping pong skills!
Vince and Jan Schulz
October 24, 2020
A great loss to this world, a great gain in the world to come. What a wonderful blessing in this world. Our prayers with you dear Mindy, what a life partner you were too sweet Steve.
Malcolm and Maggie Peters
October 24, 2020
Pastor Steve changed our lives! We got to know him as Justin and Josh´s dad, and he became our trusted counselor, eventually marrying us. In his own words, we say to him: "You are wonderful, and it was a privilege to be in your life!"
Ted and Carrie Theisen
October 24, 2020
We will never forget Steve´s kindness and wisdom.
Mark & Tess Pinkerton
October 24, 2020
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Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler Mortuaries - West Center Chapel7805 W. Center Road, Omaha, NE 68124
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Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler Mortuaries - West Center Chapel7805 W. Center Road, Omaha, NE 68124
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