Kenneth D Peterson, 87, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, and brother passed away peacefully at his home in St. George, Utah, surrounded by his family on December 22nd.
Ken was born October 2nd, 1934 to Lester David and Julia Gladys Peterson in Lehi, Utah. After graduating from Lehi High School, where he enjoyed playing football and baseball, Ken served in the Army and then in the Eastern States Mission from 1954 to 1957.
He married his eternal sweetheart, Judith Kaye Cockayne, on December 29th, 1958, and is survived by 6 children, 27 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.
Ken served in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Educational System for 37 years in Arizona, California, Indiana and surrounding states, Skyline High School, University of Utah, and Salt Lake Community College.
After retiring, Ken and Judy served three CES missions at the University of Hawaii, BYU Hawaii, and Southern Virginia University, two missions at the Lindon and St. George Bishop’s Storehouses, as well as volunteers at the St. George Temple. Students and adults have loved Brother Peterson’s lessons and insights throughout the years. Dad was actively teaching Come, Follow Me lessons to his family until the week before he passed.
Ken served in several callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved serving as Bishop of the East Millcreek 7th Ward and loved teaching in any capacity.
Ken was preceded in death by his son, Gerald, who died soon after birth, his mother, father, stepmother (Ruth Peterson), brother (Keith Peterson) and sister (Shirley Tripp).
He is survived by his loving wife Judy and children: Leslie Mix (Paul), Julie VanLeeuwen (Joe), Brian Peterson (Shauna), Brent Peterson (Misti), Amy Smart (Dave), Andy Peterson (Rebekka) and his brother, Glade (Lola).
All services will be held at the East Millcreek 7th Ward building (3408 South Celeste Way, Salt Lake City, Utah). A viewing will be held Wednesday, December 29th, from 6-8 pm and on Thursday, December 30th from 10-10:45 am prior to funeral services starting at 11:00 am. We encourage the wearing of masks. Interment will take place at the Lehi City Cemetery following the services.
We express gratitude to our Heavenly Father for the example of faith, service, kindness, wisdom, and for the mild good nature of Ken Peterson.
To watch the recorded funeral services please click the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/hh_1IkRKhQU_CwkFDLXmiCnVXZn3tQKHJYQmh-65z674kyE6_pii1wm6jkyi1p_o.9Y8eSldgfdgpujH4
Judy we love you and Ken. I so enjoyed our time together. He was a great mentor and friend. Both of you treated Kris and I with such kindness. Ken was the perfect director for me. Love the Hatch's
Just found out about Ken. Judy I am so sorry for your loss. I am so grateful for both you and Ken's friendship and love. I have grown so much in the gospel by being able to have gone to the classes Ken taught. You and your family are in my prays and thoughts. Love you Deb
Dear Judy. I was so saddened to hear of Ken’s passing. How blessed our little group is to have been together for what was to be our last FHE with dear Ken. Thank you for bringing us together. It’s the void he leaves but your memories and your knowledge and love of the gospel will console and buoy you through this sad time. Our group will miss him but his knowledge and love of the gospel will always be an example for us. Please let us know what we can do for you. God bless you and thank you both for touching my life. Much aloha🌺 Rhonda
I always thought a lot of Ken. When we were grade school kids living down on Lake Road (500 West now), our school bus, after picking up us Gammon Kids, who lived a mile or so down the road would stop by the Peterson house and pick up the Peterson kids. That's the first I knew Ken. His mother, Gladys, was our Primary President and was always so kind, positive and pleasant with us kids. Ken had grown to be like her. A few years ago my husband Dean and I, my sister Norma Jean and our friend Marilyn Nielsen took a class from him over in Pleasant Grove. Oh how we loved our teacher and Judy too! Our love and sympathy to his family. Etana Gammon Larsen
My dear Judy and family,
My thoughts and prayers are surely with you at this time of the passing of your husband, father, and grandfather. I pray the Lord will comfort you and embrace you in is loving care. Although, I did not get to know Ken as well as each of you, I felt his influence through Judy and the few times we interacted. I will always be grateful that he encouraged Judy to give serving in DUP a try. When I meet him again, I will try to tell him how much it has meant to me that he lovingly shared his sweetheart with all of DUP. I know he is busy teaching and loving and serving those he is with. May Heavenly Father bless each of you,
Hugs, Linda Lees and Washington Company DUP