Reed E. Petersen (1942-2011) Life Sketch

Reed is a Grandson of Ernest Haltiner and Emma Hollenweger

 Read at Reed's Funeral

 

Reed Petersen was born on January 24, 1942 in Logan, Utah and welcomed into the loving arms of his parents, Margaret and Olean Petersen.  He was the second child to join their family was followed by two more brothers and two sisters.  Reed had dark hair and olive colored skin and stood out in a family of fair haired and fair skinned brothers and sisters.  Actually, Reed always had the ability to stand out with his outgoing personality.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who passed away peacefully August 21, 2011 at the age of 69, after a long illness. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.  His father had a lifetime influence on him, by passing on his love of the great outdoors and his chosen vocation of carpentry.

His passions included, boating and fishing with his wife, family and friends, elk and deer hunting, and many trips to Alaska, to hunt moose.  While deer hunting one year with family, he shot a deer a 1000 years away while his sister, Peggy, stood by his side experiencing her first deer hunt.  They had to hike back to camp and drive around a large basin to locate the deer.

Reed loved getting together for our annual Petersen Christmas Party where we made Swiss Cookies we dubbed “flitters”.  We always knew when Reed arrived because his laugh would shortly follow.  This was also a time for Reed’s show and tell.

Here he would come dressed for winter and in his pocket, a slight sign of a bulge; for safely tucked away were some pictures.  He would wait for the right moment to spring them on anyone who wanted a look, but we all wanted a look. Reed’s eyes and voice came alive when he started telling us of his latest hunting adventure of how he traveled to Alaska, hung out with friends and slept with a gun under his pillow-it was bear country you know-or who could get the bragging rights on who shot the biggest buck with the biggest horns.  All this, while flipping through the pictures.

He also liked to share his culinary expertise by making English Toffee and bringing it to the Christmas Party, which everyone devoured, oblivious of how much butter they consumed.  However, the moose liver pate he brought one year grossed out some of his nieces.

While growing up in Salt Lake, Reed attended Granit High School where he met his first love, Bonnie Ross.  They were married September 19, 1959 at the home of Reed’s parents.  His only daughter, Cindy, was born to this union but within a few short months after Cindy’s birth Bonnie became ill and died suddenly, leaving Reed a widower at a young age.  This proved to be a very difficult time for Reed and he greatly mourned the loss of his wife and friend. Nine years after the death of Bonnie, On July 11, 1969 he married his beloved “Red,” Shirley Sutton.  Their personalities complemented each other and their loving romance lasted 42 years until his passing.  Reed was her devoted caregiver for the last several years and she is now in the care of family and friends.

Above all, he loved being a grandfather and his daughter Cindy, once told him, “It was a good thing he had grandsons so he could pass on his traditions.”

Reed was a member of the Carpenters Union and enjoyed teaching the trade throughout various points in his life which included working at Job Corp and Salt Lake Community College.  He was a long time member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and the Magna Gun Club where he was an avid trap shooter and earned his way onto the 2007 Senior State team, and accomplishment he was very proud of.

Reed was the first sibling to pass from this mortal existence and was joyfully greeted by his parents, relatives and all those who were an important part of his life. He was best known for his joyful, contagious laugh which set him apart from all others and will never be forgotten.  Reed, you were the life of the party and we are thankful that we were a part of your life and look forward to the time when we shall meet again. Until then, may the Lord bless you and keep you.