Steve Peterson

James Steven “Steve” Peterson, age 70, passed away at his home on July 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Steve was born on December 10, 1955, to James Madison and Mary Lou (Green) Peterson. He grew up in the Mountain Grove community and graduated from Mountain Grove High School in 1974. From a young age, Steve learned the value of hard work, spending his life dedicated to construction, farming, and building a legacy for his family.

Steve married the love of his life, Sandra Jo “Anderson”, on September 3, 1978. Together, they built a life filled with family and hard work. They were blessed with three sons: Jeremiah (Shannon), Andrew “Pete” (Katie), and Joey (Katie), who carry on the values Steve worked so hard to instill.

Throughout his life, Steve was the owner and operator of Peterson Construction and Peterson Farms Charolais. He bought into Star Metal Buildings in 1981 and later started his registered Charolais herd in 1990. His passion for the Charolais breed led him to serve as president of the Missouri Charolais Breeders Association for 2 years and to host 33 years of his highly respected Top Pick Bull Sale. His dedication and commitment to the cattle industry earned him the respect of many friends and fellow cattlemen.

Steve was baptized at a young age. Family and friends were extremely important to Steve, and he cherished the time he spent with those he loved. He took tremendous pride in his grandchildren and especially enjoyed watching them participate in sports and show livestock, particularly the white cattle he loved so much.

In his younger years, Steve enjoyed floating, spending time on the lake, and playing softball. He had a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life and the people who shared them with him.

Steve knew the true meaning of hard work and passed that lesson on to his family through his example. His legacy will live on through the family he loved, the businesses he built, the cattle he raised, and the many lives he touched along the way.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents, his father and mother-in-law (Norman & Evelyn Anderson), and one brother-in-law (Max).

He is survived by his wife; three sons and their wives; ten grandchildren: Kelsy Hartley (Mason), Kelby Goetz, Samee (Matthew), Sophee, Case, Zella, Beau, Piper, Pennie and Biloxi Peterson; three great-grandchildren: Baylor and Briley Hartley, Halston Sutherland; five brothers: David (Connie), Phillip (Regina), Paul (Laura), Timmy (Larae), Mike; two sisters: Karen (Reggie) and Martha (Russell); two brothers-in-laws: Steve (Sandy) and Larry (Carol) Anderson; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Steve will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many people who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Missouri Junior Charolais Association or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in care of the funeral home.