Peter Sparreboom Jr.

Peter Sparreboom Jr., age 92, passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, June 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of the family he adored. A man defined by his generous spirit, a lifelong dedication to helping anyone in need and a sense of humor that could brighten any room, Peter was loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Early Life and Education

Peter was born on Halloween, October 31, 1933, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Peter and Anneke Lena Sparreboom. Growing up in South Salt Lake, he learned the value of hard work early by delivering milk alongside his father, who owned Burton Place Dairy.

He graduated from Granite High School in 1951, where his vibrant personality shone brightly; he played trumpet in the band, rallied the crowd as a cheerleader, and took the field on the baseball team. He attended Utah State University on a baseball scholarship, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in agriculture.

Career and Passions

Following college, Peter partnered with his father to run the family business, eventually serving as Vice President of Burton Place Dairy. He cherished the years spent working side-by-side with his dad running a successful business.

After the dairy was sold in 1982, Peter took the opportunity to pivot toward his true passions: sports and healing. He became a sports massage therapist, dedicating decades to the profession. During his career, he especially enjoyed his time helping athletes at the University of Utah. He was widely regarded by his clients as a "miracle worker," and his family frequently received unsolicited praise for his ability to help people recover and return to health. His healing hands and generous spirit kept him practicing until the age of 87.

Peter’s impact on the local sports community was monumental. He was a staple in the Salt Lake County basketball officiating community for 60 years, serving as the president of the Salt Lake Basketball Officials Association for 51 of those years.

Softball was his lifelong passion. His contributions to the sport earned him a well-deserved induction into the Utah Softball Hall of Fame in 1985. At the time of his passing, he was still actively managing and playing on two softball teams while preparing to compete in his 31st Huntsman World Senior Games, a testament to the sport that kept him going until the very end. He loved coaching his grandsons’ baseball teams and mentored generations of young adults on and off the field, shaping countless players through his guidance, encouragement, and the values he instilled in them.

Faith and Marriage

On September 10, 1953, Peter married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Joan Wasden, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they shared 59 beautiful years of marriage and raised three daughters. Carolyn preceded him in death on March 26, 2013, and their family takes comfort in knowing they are finally reunited.

Peter was a devout, lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, cherishing his 54 years with the Valley View 8th Ward. He served in many callings, though his favorite was being the steward of the ward softball field. He also loved sharing his musical talents by singing in the ward choir and playing his trumpet for the congregation.

A Generous Spirit

Peter will be remembered most for how generously he gave of his time, his humble spirit, his unassuming nature, his readiness to help anyone in need, and his ability to brighten any room with the perfect, lighthearted one-liners. He possessed an immense love for his family and always looked forward to gathering for any and all family events. In his later years, his greatest joy was spending time with his great-granddaughters.

Survivors

Peter is survived by his three daughters: Susan, Sharon, and Kellie Ann; three grandchildren, and three beautiful great-granddaughters.

Services

• Viewing: Friday, June 26, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary (3401 S. Highland Dr., Millcreek, UT).

• Funeral Services: Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Valley View 8th Ward (4395 S. Albright Dr., Holladay, UT).

• Interment: Immediately following the funeral service at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.

For more information, to share memories, upload photos, or offer condolences, please visit wasatchlawn.com

In honor of Pete’s legacy, donations may be made to support young athletes through the Mt. Olympus PONY Baseball League. Checks may be made payable to the Mt. Olympus PONY Baseball League and mailed to: 4833 S. Wren Hollow Cir., Holladay, UT 84117