Gerald Leon Peterson

Gerald was born on January 31, 1915 in Heber City, Utah, to Samuel and Geneva (Nuttall) Peterson. Gerald enjoyed attending school, when he could, often times he had to be absent to help his family with harvest. Math was his favorite subject. Upon graduating from high school, he moved to Ammon, Idaho with his family. There he farmed for awhile before serving a mission in Ontario, Canada. Upon returning home, he met his future wife, Dorothy Tingey, who was a school teacher at Montpelier. After a short courtship, they were married in the Logan Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 21, 1941. They farmed in Ammon and Idaho Falls, then after visiting his brother, Ross N, in Othello,Washington, he went back to Idaho and moved his family to Othello in 1955. Years later a third brother, Vaughn-also a farmer- would join them in Washington.

Gerald was a born farmer. He loved working the land and being outdoors. He seemed to always have a love of horses, having brought Shetland ponies with him from Idaho, which became a novelty in the area. Years later, he and his two sons found a mutual interest in raising and showing Appaloosa’s. They competed with each other to find the best sires for their mares and raise the best foals. Their competitive spirit paid off as they won the Canadian and U.S. Nationals.

Gerald was devoted to his church and was very active and served in many positions throughout his life. In their later years, he and Dorothy served as temple workers in the Seattle LDS Temple until her passing on October 3, 1996, having been together for 55 years.

Gerald will be remembered as a kind man who never met a stranger and was willing to help anyone that needed help even if he didn’t know them. He loved his family and his grandchildren and was an avid fan as they became active in sports.

Gerald was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, his eldest son, Ross T., a granddaughter, Shelley Jensen, a grandson, Gerald Michael Jensen, his older sister Virginia, and his four younger brothers, Vaughn, Ross N., Ted and Dal.

He is survived by his children; Annette Peterson of Salt Lake City, Utah, Gerald Kay (Julie) Peterson of Othello, Jeanette Peterson of San Marcos, CA, Claudia (Michael) Jensen of Othello, 9 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

A time for final visitation will be at Stevens Funeral Chapel on Monday, February 27, 2012 beginning at 5:00pm and ending at 8:00pm. He will also be viewed in the Relief Society Room of the 7th Ave. LDS Church in Othello at 10:00am on Tuesday, 2/28/2012. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM at the 7th Ave. Church, followed by interment in Bess Hampton Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Othello.

To sign the guest book and leave a note for the family please visit stevensfuneralchapel.com .