Elden Walter Peterson

Elden Walter Peterson, age 87, passed away peacefully July 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 30, 1938, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Walter and Auline Peterson. He was the third of six children.

Elden grew up in Salt Lake City and it was during this time that he met the love of his life, Barbara Lee. They began dating as teenagers and were formally engaged before he left on a 2-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the West Central States, which included Montana and Wyoming. Barbara waited for Elden, and they were married 2 months later on June 27, 1960, in the Salt Lake Temple. They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Education was important to Elden. He graduated valedictorian from South High School, studied at the University of Utah, and earned his graduate degree in dentistry from the University of Southern California.

Elden loved being a dentist and practiced in California from 1965 until 1979 when he moved with his family back to Utah. He then practiced in Sandy and West Jordan from 1979 until his retirement in 2008. His patients appreciated his skill, efficiency, and his gentle nature. And Elden truly cared about each patient.

Elden and Barbara were blessed with 5 children: Sheri, Marcia, Mark, David, and John. Together they created a happy home and many opportunities for fun. Elden maintained a pristine swimming pool and always kept the temperature at a pleasant 90 degrees. They enjoyed motorhome trips to mountains and lakes and even a month-long adventure across the country where they saw many U.S. and church history sites. They went snowmobiling in the winter and boating throughout the summer, where Elden enjoyed waterskiing into his 70’s.

Elden was dedicated to his family, and this was most evident in the care that he and Barbara provided to their youngest child, John. John was born with cerebral palsy and together they lovingly cared for his every need at home until he passed away two years ago at age 50. We are grateful for the knowledge that Elden is once again with John, both in their perfect form.

Elden was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and had a firm testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He served in various callings including the high council, bishopric, and in many other capacities. He was a sacrament meeting organist, primary pianist, and often played for ward choirs and stake conferences. He was always happy to share his musical talent.

Elden is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; his children Sheri Ferguson, Marcia (Craig) Jacobsen, Mark (Kim) Peterson, David (Shauna) Peterson; 11 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Walter (Susan) Peterson, Kathryn (Lynn) Jones, and Marian (Rand) Perrier. He is preceded in death by his son John Peterson, parents Walter and Auline Peterson, and sisters Donna Mae Hart and Carrol Sevy.

Services will be held Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Granite Ward chapel 9575 South (Little Cottonwood Road) 3100 East, Sandy Utah. A viewing will be held Thursday, August 7, from 6-8 pm at the Granite Ward building and at 10:00 am prior to the service. Interment, Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.

Use this link to view the service over Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/91664182348?pwd=iZBx31zFoaTWS7pSwrx7pi3Ks6eyKl.1

Meeting ID: 916 6418 2348

Passcode: 209070