John Steven “Steve” Petersen Jr., 77, passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2023, in Hays, KS. He was born July 8, 1945, in Salina, KS to John Petersen Sr. and Virginia (Jorgensen) Petersen. Steve married Vicki Nelson in WaKeeney, KS on March 30, 1967. He retired as a heavy equipment operator for KDOT.
Steve is survived by his wife, Vicki Petersen of Lincoln, KS; son, Sean Petersen (Shawn) of Ellsworth, KS; sisters, Carla Petersen of Port Charlotte, FL and Wenny Plunkett of Salina, KS; step-grandchildren, Mitch Wolf (Tyler) of Kansas City, MO, Cheyenne Hellebust (Kaden) of Fairview, TX, Savannah Hellebust of Ellsworth, and Nash Hellebust of Ellsworth; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; brother-in-law, Richard Nelson (Karen) of Lucas, KS; and sister-in-law, Jan Leach (Tim) of Topeka, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Dennis Nelson.
As most of you know Steve was an avid hunter and fisherman. He thoroughly enjoyed his and his family and friends’ time spent at Wilson Lake. He would often teach countless kids how to waterski after a morning spent fishing. He was always there for anyone who needed help and would give the shirt off his back or lend a hand to any task necessary.
As one friend put it… “All I can say is if you knew him he will be missed. And if you didn’t know him, you have no idea what you missed.”
Visitation: 4-7 p.m., Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Parsons Funeral Home – Hall Chapel, Lincoln.
Funeral service: 1:00 p.m., Monday, April 24, 2023, at Parsons Funeral Home – Hall Chapel with burial following at Lincoln Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Steve Petersen Memorial, c/o, Hall Chapel, PO Box 37, Lincoln, KS 67455.