Stewart “Stu” Peterson
Aug. 13, 1949-June 26, 2026
RUTHTON–The service celebrating and commemorating the life of Stewart “Stu” Peterson, 76, of Ruthton, MN, will take place at Peace Lutheran Church in Ruthton, MN, at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Following the service, the celebration and fellowship will continue at the Ruthton Community Center. Attendees are encouraged to wear sports apparel for their favorite team. A private family interment will be held at a later date.
Stewart Wayne Peterson was born on August 13, 1949, in Pipestone, MN, to Wayne and Bert (Holck) Peterson. He grew up in Ruthton and graduated from Ruthton High School. Stu was among the first class of students to attend Southwest State University in Marshall. He was married to Patricia Wiese Peterson and to this couple was born daughter Sara. Stu later followed his father’s footsteps and took a job with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. This became a more than 40 year career as he worked for MNDOT in several capacities. He knew every road in the State of Minnesota. This was especially important during road construction season.
Stu was an avid sports fan and enjoyed following many local teams. He also participated in sports, including basketball, football, baseball, golf, softball for the Wooden Nickel and bowling at Lindy’s Lanes. He especially enjoyed following his grandchildren’s teams: Hannah played basketball and volleyball, Ava ran track and played basketball and volleyball and Barrett’s football, basketball and baseball. Stu also enjoyed watching every RTR athlete, if the grandkids were not playing, there was other athletes he would cheer for. He was not just a spectator, but a supporter-always willing to give when he could. Stu loved talking sports with the grandkids, especially Barrett. He was so excited for Ava to continue her volleyball career at MN West, and one can only imagine the excitement when he was able to see Hannah at all those Jackrabbit games when she attended SDSU. He was so proud of those three, Hannah Christine, Ava Jane and Barrett Richard.
Stu enjoyed an annual trip to Omaha, NE, for the College World Series and enjoyed going to Canterbury Downs. He looked forward to “mini vacations” with Sara and her kids, to destinations like the Mall of America, Vikings games and other places. He had a goal to attend every NFL Stadium. There would never be a time that Stu did not run into someone that he knew. He would always try and make a bet with Sara on who would see someone they knew first when out shopping or going out to eat. 99% of the time, he would see someone first!
Stu enjoyed collecting coins, dust and other items. Stewart believed in giving back to his community and served on the Ruthton City Council for several terms.
After a brief bout with aggressive colon cancer, Stu died on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center in Marshall. He is survived by his daughter Sara Karbo of Ruthton, grandchildren Hannah Jensen, Ava Karbo and Barrett Karbo, their father Chad Karbo of Ruthton, brother Donald Peterson and sister Jule Reese, nieces and nephews Brendon (Tanya) Reese, Erica (Paul) Varcoe, Amanda (Dave) Becker and Lynsey (Mason) Schultz. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Arrangements with Horvath Funeral Service Marshall, Minnesota 507.532.4522 www.horvathfuneralservice.com