Peter Stegenga Jr.

Born in Pass Christian, Mississippi, he was the son of the late Piet Stegenga and Velenia Cuevas Stegenga. He graduated from Pass Christian High School as well as the University of Southern Mississippi, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. He attended and graduated USAF Officer’s Training School at Lackland Air Force Base, commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1963. His first assignment was at Shaw, AFB, Sumter, SC, where he met and married Regna Lou Finger in 1964.

Pete had a military career spanning over 20 years, including numerous assignments across the continental U.S. and around the world. He was a Vietnam Veteran with notable assignments in Mississippi, Oregon, California, Northern Ontario, Maryland and South Carolina. He served with Strategic and Tactical Air Command, North American Aerospace Defense Command, at the Pentagon and National Security Agency. His final assignment was Shaw AFB, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1985. Upon retirement from the Air Force, he served as a Financial Planner for USPA&IRA then as Chemistry Department Business Manager at the University of South Carolina. Pete was an avid athlete who loved and participated in many sports throughout his life. He was a proud supporter of Golden Eagle and Gamecock Athletics.

Surviving are his two sons, Richard Stegenga (Barbara) of Mebane, N.C. and Robert Stegenga of Columbia SC; and two grandchildren, Katherine Stegenga Johnson (Brock) of Hickory, N.C. and Kendall Elisabeth Stegenga of Raleigh, N.C.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Regna Finger Stegenga and brothers, Max and Harry Stegenga.

Burial will be held in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date, to be determined. Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.