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Brent J Peterson

Dec. 13, 1940 - Oct. 19, 2021

Date of Service: Oct. 25, 2021

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BURLEY – Brent J Peterson, age 80, of Burley, Idaho, passed away at his home, from pancreatic cancer, Tuesday, October 19, 2021.

Brent was born December 13, 1940, in Blackfoot, Idaho, to John Heber and Bernadene Bird Peterson. He grew up in the little community of Wapello, near Blackfoot, with three brothers and four sisters. The family moved to the Goshen area during his high school years, and he graduated from Firth High School as valedictorian of his class. In Goshen, he met a pretty neighbor girl, Vicki Larsen, and they dated and were married after graduation on September 2, 1959, before heading off to Utah State University in Logan, Utah.

In 1961, Brent’s father began developing land for irrigation in the Heglar area of the Raft River Valley and asked him to help manage the farm. With a desire to farm, he jumped at the chance and never looked back. In time, that farming experience grew to include farms in King River, Nevada, as well as Glenns Ferry, Cottrell, and Declo.

To Brent and Vicki’s union, six daughters in a row were born, followed by three sons. For a period of nearly 25 years, they had a child attending Declo High School.

Brent also worked in several ag-related businesses and eventually worked for seven seasons as an agricultural adviser and manager on three overseas projects in the Republic of Georgia, Turkey, and Romania. He also worked as a consultant on farms in South Dakota and Montana. For twelve years he managed the Tare Lab for the Amalgamated Sugar Company during the harvest.

Brent was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Because his parents were very active in the Church, he claimed he had been involved since he was a babe in arms. He served in many teaching and leadership positions, including high councilor, stake mission president, and bishop. He and Vicki served as ordinance workers in the Twin Falls Temple and they also served two six-month missions in the Tennessee Nashville Mission.

Because his father was a great scouter, Brent also loved the Scouting program and was involved for most of his life. He started as an Explorer advisor, working directly with the boys for many years, then as a member of the Scout committee, merit badge counselor, as well as a stint of service as Committee Chairman of the Cassia District. He also served the community as a member of the Cassia Memorial Hospital board for five years.

Brent loved music and enjoyed singing. He participated in the ward choir most of his life. When they were younger, Brent and Vicki sang duets together. For several years, he also sang with the barbershop harmony group, the Snake River Flats.

He had two main hobbies in his later years: gardening and writing. He loved to raise a garden and work in his yard, claiming that was the only farming he had left to do. He compiled and wrote four books about the histories of his ancestors and also wrote the life story of his parents. He also wrote seven books about his own life story, including a children’s book with his daughter, Lori, about his adventures growing up on a farm. These stories were filled with many family events, Thanksgiving and Christmas activities, and always an annual family reunion. In later years, Brent and Vicki’s time and love were devoted to their large family.

Brent was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Vicki; his siblings; and his nine children, Sherri (Mike) Wardinsky, Lori (Glen) Steadman, Camille (Gerald) Ackerman, Regina Tausinga, Tiffany (Tonga) Angilau, Nicole Parker, John (Julie) Peterson, Blake Peterson, and Glade (Amber) Peterson; 31 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, October 25, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Springdale 2nd Ward, located at 519 E. 200 S., of Burley, with Bishop Scott Turpin officiating. Burial will follow at Declo Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, October 24, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Monday prior to the service at the church.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/4AzVHOMz6fg.

Condolences for Brent J Peterson

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Peggie Price:

I will always appreciate the twinkle in Brent’s eye during a conversation. He was a gentle, kind man. Love to Vicki and family

From Eileen Albertson Petersen:

We were so blessed to share four grandchildren with Brent & Vicki as John married our daughter Julie. They are a match made in heaven, and we know Brent is missing Vicki as much in heaven as she is missing him here on earth. I am posting this late. I couldn’t find my copy of the obituary and looked it up just now (Oct 10, 2022). Brent’s youngest grandson, Rigdon Jay Peterson, was baptized Sat., Oct 8, 2022. As John confirmed him, one of the touching things he said was:
“Rigdon, Grandpa Brent and Grandpa Mission (Walt Petersen) are here in this circle. Always remember their examples and what they taught you during your time with them…” We’re thankful to have Vicki living close to us and many of her children/grandchildren now here in Utah County. Brent was/and is a spiritual giant and has left a great posterity and legacy. Love from the Walt & Eileen Petersen family.

From Mary Zarybnisky:

Brent was such a kind and helpful gentleman. We were fortunate to have Brent, Vicki, and some of their kids as neighbors for a short amount of time. Vicki, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

From Carol Stocking:

My most sincere condolences to Vicki and family. We moved from Declo a few years ago but I have always remembered the fun times working with Vicki in Primary & R.S. and the wonderful friends that both of you were. Losing a loved one is never easy but we know it is a part of life. I lost Doyle just 3 weeks before Brent was also called Home. May you all be blessed with peace and comfort and many tender mercies.

From Dennis and Shirley Badger:

It was a blessing for me to have known and worked with Brent for so many years. He was a gentle man, an example for me to live by. He had a great sense of humor and was fun to be with. Vicki, please know of our love for you.
We were sorry that we were not aware of his latest conditions until today when the obituary was in the paper. May you have the blessings from the Savior to help you to continue on and have the Peace in your soul.

From Stanley J Preston:

Dear Vicki and Family. I was very sorry to hear of Brent's passing. Our family's love and prayers are with you. I was very blessed to have Brent as a YM's and Scout leader. I will never forget the wonderful rafting trip down the middle-fork of the Salmon River that the ward YM took one summer with Brent as one of the leaders. Brent was a great leader and friend to the young men and was always fun to be around. I am also grateful to you and Brent for being great friends to my parents, Joe and Doris and the rest of our family. Thank you for streaming the funeral. It was well done and paid appropriate tribute to this great man, the life he lived and his influence for good on all he knew. Love, Stan

From Elder and Sister Blakeslee:

Very beautiful and fitting funeral that we were able to view online. Sorry we couldn’t be present to pay our condolences to all the family. Brent and Vickie will always be our dearest friends and next door neighbor. Your family is strong and will support each other during this ordeal. We love you Vickie and pray for your well being.

From Lyle and Jennifer Sager :

Our sincere condolences for the loss of your dear husband, father, and grandfather. It was always a pleasure to be around him. He was a true gentle man.

From Michael Zarybnisky:

Sorry for your lost Vickie and Glady

From Korbyn Karlson:

Our deepest condolences to you Vicki and your family at this time. Brent was an amazing man and always gave us a smile regardless of how the piano may have sounded :)

From Darla Whipple:

My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you Vickie and all the family! As a young girl I loved our visits with you and your sweet family because of all the smiles and laughter. Brent always had a smile!

From Janet Loveland:

So sorry for your loss. Your family is an inspiration for all. Vickie, I so loved working with you for all those years. I still use your recipes, especially for Brent’s hot chocolate. Our prayers are with you.

From David Price:

Thanks Peterson’s for lending your dad Brent, to bless all of us.
The picture of him is really great.
Thanks to the Peterson’s for having such a large family. The names of Brent and Vicky go together and because of the covenants they made, they will only be separated for a short time.

From Tim and Jana Darrington :

We have lost a dear friend and have the best memories of Brent an Vicki and the time we spent together in Turkey. Brent was a teacher, mentor, great example and a twinkly-eyed tease. Oh, how we love him! He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. You have our deepest sympathy and all our love.

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