Catherine Theresa Giefer

Catherine "Cathy" Pehrson Giefer, age 71, of St. Peter, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at her home on May 13, 2025.

Cathy was born on March 30, 1954, in St. Peter, Minnesota, to Franklin and Kathryn (Sear) Pehrson. She was baptized at St. Mary's Catholic Church in St. Peter and attended St. Peter Public Schools, graduating in 1973. During her high school years, Cathy found great joy in music, playing clarinet in concert, marching, and pep bands. She was a trailblazer-becoming the first female student to be accepted into the AG/FFA agriculture program at her high school. Cathy loved spending time outdoors helping on the family farm and working alongside her dad every chance she could.

She was active in 4-H from a young age, earning Grand Champion honors for her sheep at county and Tri-County fairs. She also played second base on the 4-H softball team, where she gained a reputation as a fierce competitor. Cathy later earned her B.S. and M.S. degrees from Mankato State University. Her love for 4-H continued into adulthood. Cathy became an adult 4-H leader and softball coach, sharing her knowledge and passion with generations of children. She devoted countless hours to mentoring youth in the care and showing of sheep, rabbits, and horses. Many champions were made under her guidance. Cathy's lifelong love for horses was more than a passion-it was a commitment.

Cathy served as a director for the Minnesota State 4-H Horse Association for over 30 years. She was a valued and respected asset to the organization. Her knowledge of horses was vast and prodigious. Professionally, Cathy worked for the State of Minnesota as a Human Services Specialist at the St. Peter Regional Treatment Center, serving those with mental illness. After leaving that role, she started her own successful daycare business in Mankato. Later, Cathy purchased a hobby farm in Blue Earth, Minnesota, where she raised Arabian horses and continued her involvement in 4-H and horsemanship.

Eventually, Cathy returned to her hometown of St. Peter to be closer to her family. As the youngest of 10 siblings, Cathy was quiet but strong. She was a good listener who shared her thoughts when it mattered most. Behind her strength was a woman who, despite challenges, always found the courage to rise again. Cathy became a fiercely independent woman, known for her resilience and heart. She cherished her family and found joy in gardening, caring for her kittens and horses, and spending time with her grandchildren. Cathy's special commitment to family, animals, and lifelong learning left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.

Cathy is survived by her children: Jeremy (Mei Peng), Justin (Kelly), and Melissa Reichel (Andy); 13 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by siblings: DeAnna Hoffmeister, Wallace Pehrson (Lauren), Mark Pehrson, and Mary Kreykes (Scott); sister-in laws Nancy, Sally, Geraldine, and Patricia Pehrson; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Frank, Fred, Rich, Gary, and Jerry Pehrson; brother-in-law Harold Hoffmeister, sister-in-law Debbie Pehrson; nephew Chad Pehrson; and niece Carrie Pehrson Toro.

A memorial service for Cathy will be held on Friday, May 23rd at 4:00 PM at the St Peter Lutheran Church, 427 W Mulberry Street St. Peter, Minnesota.