Lemonte Peterson

Lemonte Peterson passed away at home on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 15, 2025, at the age of 108 years, 9 months and 22 days. He was born in the family home in Levan, Utah on August 24, 1916 to Erastus Peter Peterson and Olga Emilie Christiansen. Dad was the first born with three sisters joining the family in later years. Dad was raised and worked on the family farm where they grew wheat to support the family. He learned much from his dad as they worked together plowing, planting and harvesting the crops. These times became the foundation for his long fulfilling life and he often spoke of his time with his dad.

Dad met our mother, Alice Hall, in Nephi Utah at Juab High School after a play in which dad was the main character. It was love at first sight! Dad studied at Henager Business College in Salt Lake while mother finished high school. The rule was they would get married when each had saved $500. They accomplished the goal and were married on June 17, 1938 in the Manti Temple. They moved to Salt Lake and eventually purchased a home which dad lived in for 80 years. Through their marriage they had four children; Monty, Cathy, David and Sue.

Dad loved life and was happiest when he was helping those in need and providing service wherever the opportunity presented itself. He loved to support artisans by purchasing their creations whether he needed them or not. It was all about helping those who were just trying to make ends meet. He loved to hike the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains and would often take day trips. He also loved to explore the Grand Canyon, Canyonlands, Zions, and Tetons. He loved landscape photography. His hikes provided the opportunity to shoot beautiful pictures. His photos needed to have clouds to make them complete. He loved clouds!

Dad was a thinker. He loved books and never read fiction. He was curious and would buy and read books on history, astronomy, planet earth, cultures around the world, poetry and religion to name a few. While Dad was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he loved to explore the history of other religions to better understand the origins and beliefs.

Dad’s service to the Church was broad. He held many positions but most notably Stake President (13 years), Patriarch (life) and Temple Sealer (31 years). Dad was innovative and was not shy in sharing his thoughts with President David O. McKay. They became good friends and President McKay often gave him special errands to do for him. He is credited with the implementation of one temple recommend for any temple attended. Prior to this you had to have a separate recommend specific to the temple you wanted to attend. He once had a man of Jewish faith speak in stake conference so the members could hear first hand the Jewish beliefs. This was highly unusual but typical of dad. He knew how to motivate people, collectively and individually. Many people moved forward in their lives due to his counsel, love, guidance and care.

Dad worked as an accountant for Salt Lake Mill and Lumber for 50 years. He was affectionally called “Pete”. He served as a member of the Salt Lake City Board of Education, Utah Technical College advisory board, and Deseret Industries board. He was an active participant in the development of the Brighton Girls Camp in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Dad is survived by his children, Monty E (Ruth) Peterson, David Robert (Kathleen) Peterson, Sue (Glenn – deceased) Morgan; 7 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his wife, Alice, daughter, Cathy, son-in-law Glenn Morgan and his parents and three sisters.

We would like to thank Terri Paine-Cameron, Andy Bruner, Thais Casey, Kelsey Beck, Megan McGregor and the RNs with Inspiration Hospice, Shanley Morgan, Philly Atkins and Jolene Wilkinson, for their assistance in caring for dad.

Services are as follows at:

Salt Lake Central Eleventh Ward

951 E 100 S

Salt Lake City, Utah

Viewing – Monday, June 23, 2025 6-8 pm

Tuesday, June 24, 2025 11:00-11:45 am

Services – Tuesday, June 24, 2025 12:00 noon

Interment at Salt Lake City Cemetery directly after the service

Family lunch after interment at the church provided by the Eleventh Ward Relief Society.

For those unable to attend, services will be streamed via Zoom. Please click on the "Watch Services" link above.