Michael James Peterson
Michael James Peterson passed away on September 2, 2025, at the age of 74. He was preceded in death by his parents William Peterson and Rosemary (Osborn) Peterson, brother Paul Joseph, nephew John Daniel, and his mother-in-law Marjorie Kaiman. He was the devoted spouse of Kathleen Kaiman; beloved father of Meghan (Kerry) Steach and Adrian (Meghan); beloved stepfather of Daniel Roy (Jennifer) and Zachary Roy (Suzanne Volpe); and cherished grandfather of Palmer and Connor Steach, William and Lydia Peterson, Olivia and Gabby Roy, and Timothy Roy.
Michael is survived by seven siblings: Bill (Elaine Mink), Sara (Mark Meltzer), Alice (Paul Munk), David (Sandy), Mary Rose (Charles George), Dominic (Eileen), and Bernard (Annette). He is also survived by his aunts Geraldine and Mary Frances, his uncle Gerald, many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, his former spouse Maura Nagle, and his sister-in-law Gee Kaiman.
Michael grew up in a loving, faith-filled home on the Peterson family farm in Loretto, Kentucky. He attended Holy Cross Seminary on the campus of the University of Notre Dame for three years before graduating from St. Joseph’s Prep in Bardstown, Kentucky. As an undergraduate at St. Louis University, he earned a degree in psychology and became a Vietnam War conscientious objector. For his alternative
service, he worked with Monsignor John Shocklee at St. Bridget Parish in North St. Louis, where he tutored young people.
In August 1974, Michael embarked with Maura on a world tour of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Peace-loving and adventuresome, he returned with stories of the flamboyant and the sinister, the good-hearted and the woebegone – encounters that contributed to his hopeful yet realistic view of the world and human nature. When he came home, he ran the dairy operation on the family farm in Loretto.
Moving back to St. Louis in 1979, Michael found community with his college friends in Kopavi, a group of families living in the Forest Park Southeast neighborhood. He became a parishioner of St. Cronan Church, earned a master’s in education from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, and taught students with behavior disorders at Therapy Consultant Associates. In 1983, he joined the faculty of Christian Brothers College High School (CBC) where he taught English, coached basketball, and moderated the student newspaper. Known as “Mr. Pete,” he retired in 2012.
In 1988, Michael and Kathleen were married. They blended their families at their renovated home in Webster Groves. They attended their children’s sporting and performing arts events with avid interest and abounding love. Michael shifted his allegiance from the Cincinnati Reds to the Cardinals and remained a lifelong Kentucky basketball fan. His love of athletic activity brought him to weekly pickup basketball games at CBC and Christ Prince of Peace in Manchester. He also frequented the handball courts at Forest Park, where he was a perennial fixture known for his good-natured sense of fair play.
Michael joyfully embraced grandchildren when they began to arrive 17 years ago. Always a teacher, storyteller, and joker, he cherished moments with them in the kitchen and on walks. Fluent in Beatles and Janice Joplin lyrics, he sang them as lullabies to his grandchildren (and during pickup games when he had a hot hand). His famous, secret-recipe chocolate chip cookies led a baking repertoire that included pumpkin pies and quiches.
For those who wish to honor Michael’s memory, donations may be made to the St. Cronan Food Pantry or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
A celebration of life will be held at St. Cronan Church, 1202 S. Boyle Ave, St. Louis, MO, on Saturday, September 27 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family. Michael was such a good looking boy and so polite.
Love,
Aunt Mary Frances
Cousins-
Charlotte
Fran
Renee
what a beautiful life tribute. Go rest high good and faithful servant
A wonderful overview of a special man. The world has lost a good one. We were lucky to know him.
One of the finest colleagues in my teaching career. A truly dedicated Christian.
I whole heartedly agree with Tom Murray, Michael was a great teacher at CBC. He certainly helped me early on in my teaching career at CBC. I never heard Michael raise his voice at a student or utter a negative word.
Mike’s Lasallian charism involved improving the reading and writing skills of CBC freshmen who needed this help the most. The success of all his students was very important to him. He mentored me in my first couple years at CBC in 1999-2000. What a legacy, and he will be missed.
I am Michael’s Aunt Geraldine Peterson. I saw him primarily at family reunions. He was a gentle, quiet soul in a quite loud family. His love was physically felt.
I am Michael’s Aunt Geraldine Peterson. I saw him primarily at family reunions. He was a gentle, quiet soul in a quite loud family. His love was physically felt.
Such a kind soul. I never heard him say an ill word about anyone. I never even saw him angry in any way. He will be missed.
Please accept my sincere condolences. Michael was a great man and will be missed.
A beautiful tribute for a beautiful man. May you rest in peace, Michael.
Michael would come to our home on Sunday for dinner when he attended Holt Cross Seminary. He was a joy to converse with. MIchael was smart, funny and had the most beautiful blue eyes I have ever seen.
Rest In Peace,
Your Cousin,
Sue Carrico Delahanty
Ann and I were saddened to hear of Michael’s recent passing. We’d like to send our condolences; especially to all his family and friends; on this tremendous loss! What a wonderful human being—some of God’s finest work! He was such a gift, not just to his family and friends but also to our troubled world that so desperately needs men like Michael at this time.
On a personal note, I want to say that it was an honor and privilege to work and walk with him in the footsteps of St John Baptist De La Salle at CBC all those many years. He was a true La Sallian Educator as he touched the hearts and minds of many! He made such an impact with his accepting, kind, and gentle way. Rest in peace Michael! You are loved and missed!
To all of the Rosemary and Bill Peterson families, We want to extend our deepest condolences to all. We are just now, September 26, 2025, hearing about his passing. We almost feel like family and have been to most all of the family reunions in the past years. Attended their ‘Mary’s day’ monthly, hosted them here, classmates with brother Jimmy, etc. we knew them all. So very sorry!
I worked many years with Michael at CBC and in the summertime painting houses. He was truly a good man and and a great example for all. Our world dearly needs more men like Michael rest in peace, my friend.
St. Louisans are famous for discussing their high school alma maters. They really should extend the banter and ask about their freshman English teachers.
Mine was terrifically genuine, much like the service that celebrated his life.
Mr. Peterson treated everyone with compassion and kindness. If you had his attention, you had it in full and were eager for that next interaction.
I was blessed to remain in touch with Michael – alias “Mo Pete” to the knucklehead editors who helped him produce The Turret in the early 2000s – long after graduation.
Although I aspired to a career in journalism from the time I could read the Post-Dispatch sports section and slurp cereal simultaneously, you can’t begin fulfilling a dream without an opportunity.
One day near the end of class, Michael sounded the alarm for someone to cover freshman football for the next Turret issue. This student sheepishly sidled up to his desk a few moments later. The assignments and friendship grew from there.
May he rest in peace.