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Earl Kent 'Tiny' Petterson

Aug. 27, 1945 - Feb. 12, 2023

Date of Service: Feb. 25, 2023

BURLEY – Earl Kent “Tiny” Petterson, a 77-year-old resident of Burley, passed away Sunday, February 12, 2023, at his home.

Tiny was born August 27, 1945, in Twin Falls, Idaho, to Earl Poulton and Vera Adelle Petterson. He was the apple of his parents’ eye since he was the only boy, and the baby to boot, in a family with three older sisters. His sister, Bonnie, laughingly said he was “spoiled rotten.” Tiny was raised in Eden, Idaho, until his freshman year when the family moved to Burley. While in Eden, Tiny worked on his parents’ farm and their grocery store, Petterson’s Economy Market. His dad and mom purchased a farm in Burley in 1960, where he partnered with his dad in the farming and cattle business. Tiny was also a good athlete participating in FFA, football, basketball and track in his high school years. He also won numerous awards for his 4-H projects.

Tiny tried college at ISU for a year but was needed at home so he returned to help on the family farm, which he loved much more than college. They raised corn, alfalfa, wheat and silage crops for their cattle herd on the farm.

In 1974, Tiny met the love of his life, Sheila Cooper. The couple had a whirlwind courtship and dated for only six months when Tiny presented the ultimatum of “We either get married in June or we have to wait till the first cutting of hay is out.” She knew she had fallen in love with a farmer, so she agreed to a June wedding.

In 1978, Thaddeus Earl was added to the family. Tiny and Thad shared a love of cars and building equipment together was something they both enjoyed. They even built a fuel trailer in 1997 that won a blue ribbon and was sent to the 69th National FFA convention in Kansas City, and Thad won “Outstanding Shop Project” with it that year. Tiny’s pet project, his 1957 Chevy truck, began in 1995, and continued off and on for the remainder of his years. It was his pride and joy.

Tiny was an outstanding farmer and in 1997 was awarded the Simplot Top 10 Grower award, of which he was very proud. Tiny and Sheila continued on the family farm for 20 more years where they raised potatoes, grain and peas. During the winter months they enjoyed bowling, pinochle, snowmobiling, and skiing; in summer they enjoyed golfing and snuck away for a little fishing whenever possible.

They enjoyed some fabulous family trips to Mexico, Hawaii, and one to Alaska. He went deep sea fishing with his brother-in-law, Bruce Wojcik several times and really enjoyed it.

Tiny and Sheila leased out the farm and 2T’s Custom Farming was born in 2000. After that Tiny went to work at ID Tech Inc. selling pivots then on to construction work with Western Construction for the next 20 years. He ran the T-Rex, a piece of equipment he lovingly named since he had a love/hate, but mostly hate relationship with it. One thing about Tiny was that he was a good worker and his boss, Bob Troop, didn’t want him to ever retire. Bob would tell him to go get on his machine and work his magic. Bob called Tiny for several years after Tiny retired to try to coax him back.

Tiny was a joy to be around, if you showed up to a Cooper or a Petterson event, the jokes came out non-stop the entire time. He kept everyone in stitches. There was much laughter and love at family events.

Tiny was preceded in death by his dad, Earl Petterson; his mom, Vera Petterson; and his sisters, Linda Eversole and Sandra Kohntop.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sheila; his son Thaddeus; and his four grandkids, Adalynn, Trinity, Thaddeus (T.K.) and Arian; his sister, Bonnie Fronk (Ken); and his sisters-in-law, Beverly Wojcik (Bruce) and Terri McBride (Mark Hirsch). Tiny went to his higher place on February 12 and we believe he is at peace and pain free and running around with his favorite dog, Pup, working on his favorite heavenly car and swapping jokes with all who preceded him. We are sure going to miss him.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/ZuuhiZ7EXf4.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations in Tiny’s name be made to the American Lung Association.

Condolences for Earl Kent 'Tiny' Petterson

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

From Lonnie and Gay Downs:

We were so sorry to hear about Tiny's passing. We always enjoyed our visits with this great and friendly guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Sheila and Thad. We pray you will feel the peace and comfort you need at this most difficult time.

From Pat Heidel:

Sheila, I am so sorry to learn of Tony’s passing. You and your family are in my prayers. Tiny will be missed .

From Janis Harmon (case):

Meeting Tiny was like meeting a best friend! Always kind, joyful and full of fun. When you talked to him he gave you his full attention and remembered past conversations. A gem of a man. Blessings to the family.

From Dean and Linda Strom11:

We are so sorry to hear of Tiny's passing. My memories will always include the fun times we had on our bowling league. He had such a fun personality. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Sheila and your family at this time.

From Bob Throop :

What a great guy And will be truly missed

From Jerry and Jolene Hines:

We are so sorry about Tiny's passing. We consider him and Sheila as good friends. Thad was in Jolene's 4H club and he was a joy. Tiny always had a smile on his face and a joke to tell. Our sincere sympathy to Sheila, Thad, and extended family.

From Skinner and Tracy:

We were saddened to hear of Tiny’s passing. We have such fond memories of him when we bowled with you guys oh so many years ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

From Pat and Gary Schlitt:

Tiny,was one of kind,precious memories,you will be missed to Sheila and Thad.Condolences to all his family and friends.

From Carleen Miller:

Sheila, I am so sorry to hear this. You, Thad and his family are in my prayers. I pray you find the comfort you need.

From Pat and Gary Schlitt:

Tiny,was one of kind,precious memories,you will be missed to Sheila and Thad.Condolences to all his family and friends.

From Lloyd :

A sad loss of so many

From Kathi Hall:

Sheila, Iam so sorry to hear this. Please know Iam thinking of you. Holding you close in thought and prayer.

From Pat Sherrod Sandusky:

So sorry to hear about Tony’s psssing! He was always one of my favorite classmates! and on the way to his family!

From Mary Zarybnisky:

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

From Garth and Jean Fremiller:

Sending our most sincere condolences on the passing of Tiny! our thoughts and prayers are with you! Garth and Jean Freymiller

From Michael:

Sorry for your loss Shelia

From Lamont & Colleen Carson:

Sheila: We’re sorry to hear about Tiny. We’re sending prayers your way, and hope family and friends will give you comfort!

From Pam and Dwayne Free:

So sorry to hear about Tiny. Our hearts and prayers are with you. Hugs, Pam and Dwayne Free

From Steve and Shelley Jones and Dad:

Sending prayers to your families

From Gerald Combs:

Sheila --I'm sorry to see another one of my close friend's go home. I will always remember you and him !

From Michelle Davids:

Sheila, I'm so sorry to hear about Tiny. My heart goes out to you. Sending prayers and hugs for you and your family. If there is anything I can do for you please let me know.

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