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Vern Petersen Obituary

Vern Thomas Petersen Sr. 1950 ~ 2007 Vern Thomas Petersen Sr., 57, passed away from Renal Cell Carcinoma the morning of Nov. 14, 2007 surrounded by his loving family.He was born on May 13, 1950 in Price, UT to Loyd and Harriet Petersen. He married Venina Ranquist on October 4, 1973 in the Salt Lake Temple, and raised a wonderful family. He will always be remembered as a faithful husband, father, son, brother, friend, and Bishop of the Riverton 21st Singles Ward. Vern loved all people he came in contact with. He was a peacemaker. He filled our lives with laughter, and he loved serving his Heavenly Father. He is now carrying forth the work he started in this world. We love you dad. He is survived by his wife, Venina, their nine children (and spouses): Vern Jr. (April), Nathan, Benjamin (Wendy), Jillian (Joshua), Brian (Bethany), Devan, Kenyon, Lauren, and Korin, and 10 grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother, Harriet Petersen; his sisters: Julie Dansie and Halene Dahlstrom, and his brother, Glen Petersen. Preceded in death by his father Loyd B. Sr. and brother Loyd B. Jr. A viewing will be held on Friday, November 16, at the Broomhead Funeral Home, 12600 So. 2200 W. from 6-8 p.m. and the funeral services will be held on Sat. November 17, at 2:30 p.m. at the Riverton, Utah Stake Center, 13400 So. 1830 W. where friends may call an hour prior. Interment Riverton Cemetery. Online Condolences: www.broomheadfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Deseret News from Nov. 15 to Nov. 16, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Vern Petersen

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Laura Benedict

December 1, 2007

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father and to your mother , her husband. I know that I will miss him greatly. I know that he must have been needed on the other side to have such a great man taken so early in life. We love you so very much.
David, Laura (Dansie) and Kate Benedict

Al and Roxanne DeMuth JR. / Wilrick

November 23, 2007

Dear Nina and Petersen family. It was a pleasure and an honor to get to know the man and the true gentleman, Vern. Anyone who had an opportunity to get to know Vern will certainly never forget him.

Chuck Ramani

November 20, 2007

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

John Martinson

November 20, 2007

We are sorry to hear of the passing of Vern. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Love,
John (Park) and Dianne Martinson

Rob Nagin

November 20, 2007

It was my pleasure to have known and worked with Vern these past few years. He always had a ready smile, and a wonderful attitude. He often spoke of his family with great pride. He will be long remembered and sorely missed by all that were lucky enough to have known him.

Ann Stanton

November 19, 2007

Nina and family:
I knew Vern through his work with the Energy Exam committee. He was a good and gentle man. We will miss him and remember him always.

Mark Knowlton

November 19, 2007

Dear Nina
Wini and I were saddened to hear of your loss. The last time we saw Vern was the Providence, meeting of the EDC, we had no idea of his illness, our prayers are with you and your family.

Barbie Robbins-Newton

November 19, 2007

Dear Petersen Family,
I just heard about your father/husband passing. I am so sorry to hear this awful news!! I didn't know you all for very long, but I do have very fond memories of this family! Vern was a very kind, loving and soft spoken man. Even though he didn't know me very well, he still welcomed me into his home and made me feel like part of his family! To my dear friend Ben, I am so sorry for your loss!! I know how much your dad means to you! I wish we could have stayed better friends throughout these past few years. Having cancer myself, I know what you and your family have gone through, to watch a wonderful person in your life suffer. You and your family are in my thoughts! I give you my light and love to heal your hearts at this difficult time in your lives.

Roger Monsen

November 19, 2007

Dear Petersen Family,

I have know your Dad in his business for many years. Never have I known a man with such integrity and compassion. I speak for all in our office is sharing with you that we too will miss his smile, his humor and his warmth. May the blessings and comforts of Heaven attend each of you!

Beverly Konoian

November 19, 2007

Vern, I didn't get to say that "Worry" looks around, "Sorry" looks back, and "Faith" looks up. We looked around while you were suffering, because we were so worried. We looked back at the days when your were well & we were sorry those days were gone forever. We will now look up, because you have become our newest "Angel." Guide us, for you have shown us we must stay strong, and we must keep the faith. I will miss you Vern, you will have my admiration forever.
Goodbye "Vernie" your very good friend.

Derek and Tracee Van Wagoner

November 18, 2007

Dearest Petersen Family,
Our hearts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Just as a tree is known by it's fruits, we know of Vern's goodness by knowing Ben. His talents far exceeded his musical abilities. We wish you love and light during this trial.

Lauren Petersen

November 18, 2007

I will always remember my dad and love him tons. I thank all of you for your memories and support during his passing. Thank you!

Linda Ostler

November 17, 2007

It has been many years since I have seen vern but I remember he had a gentle voice and he was so kind to me and my family. Vern was always patient with me and he always gave me a feeing of peace. I pray the memories I have of him will never fade. Peterson family, you are in my prayers. God Bless.

Tava Lee Nokes

November 17, 2007

I've known the Peterson family forever and know the calibur of people they are. I grew up with Vern's older brother but I remember Vern too. Our aquaintance was renewed in the last few years as our paths have crossed doing our Church callings. He was such a soft spoken person and made you feel like you made his day when he saw you. I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my husband 2 years ago and it is tough but it helps to know what we know about Heavenly Father's plan for our happiness. There is no doubt where Vern is right now. Love to all, Tava Lee Nokes

Dale Kerksiek

November 17, 2007

We were so sad to hear of Vern's passing. We remember fondly all of the experiences we had with him and your family while we were in Riverton. We are now in La Paz, Bolivia. Please accept our sincere condolences.

James Feagin

November 16, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Steve Avery

November 16, 2007

Mr. Petersen was a very kind and friendly man, who always had a smile on his face and a "hello" to go with it. I did not know him well, but I knew he was a kind person who raised a great family and had an equally great wife.
He will be missed.

This experience has taught me that even though one may not know someone well, even if they see each other often, their impact on your life is profound.

Please remember, a smile to someone else can go along way.....

Jeff Bowers

November 16, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with Vern's family and friends. I had the unique opportunity to have known Vern over 7 years, but had only seen him in person 5 times. Vern was the chair of 4 of the Exam Development Committees I was on and was always a gracious host; even though most times we were not in his hometown. Nina will remember meeting my wife and then six month old red headed son in Ontario Ca. Vern pulled me aside and said" you know Jeff, no one will ever blame you for taking a nap again if you have a sleeping baby on you". He was right. I already miss Vern and his always upbeat attitude. I am truly blessed to have known him.

Daren Cole

November 16, 2007

Peterson Family ~
What an honor to know and associate with such a great man. To know Bro. Peterson is to love him. Truely known for his great heart, gentleness, insight and love. I was privledged to be taught by him many, many times by the words from his mouth, insight into his life experience, and also by the example of how he lived his life and what he valued.
My thoughts and prayes join with those of so many others who dearly love your family. Although this is a very difficult time, I also rejoice knowing the difference and influence Bro. Peterson provided those around him....making this world a better place because of who he is, his heritage of service, and living what he believed.
Bro. Peterson - a man of true and honorable character.

Julie Dansie

November 16, 2007

We have appreciated reading the kind sentiments of those posted here. It opens up a whole new dimension to our brother's life to see how those he worked with loved him. On behalf of our elderly Mother, we thank you.

We are comforted by loving memories in this difficult time, but our hearts are aching.

To Nina and family,
We love you so very much. We know that our brother loves you all very much and is very proud of you.


Glen R. Petersen
Halene Petersen Dahlstrom

John Nehasil

November 16, 2007

I am saddened to hear of Vern’s passing. Vern was a pleasure to work with; I will remember him as a calming influence in the projects, meetings and conversations in which both he and I participated, and as always willing to provide assistance and perspective whenever asked. He will be greatly missed.

Chris Knaphus

November 16, 2007

Nina and family,
It is hard to believe that it is has been over twenty three years since we were in Portland together.Vern was more than a co-worker but a friend through that tough project.
I am sorry for your loss. Vern was a great man and will surely be missed.

Darren Meyers

November 16, 2007

Dear Nina & Family:
It is with the unimaginable and indescribable news of Vern's passing reaching ICC, that I convey my personal condolences and in part, those of Vern's Energy Exam Development Committee (EN-EDC) Members; to let you know how much Vern's humor and patience meant to all of us.

From Atlanta to Chicago, Tampa to Tempe, or snowed-in in Salt Lake; It is so true how we all looked forward to gathering as a group over the past 10 years (Yeah, it's been that long since most of us first met Vern in Salt Lake City circa 1997).

We'll be good stewards of the pleasant memories...and plenty of jokes...Vern has left with all of us. Afterall, who could forget the "Frozen Chicken hitting the Windshield-Joke,"...Simply superb, just like Vern (simply superb).

Our best in living memory.

Sharon

November 16, 2007

So sorry to hear of your loss. I enjoyed working with Vern. He was always willing to help whenever needed. He will be missed. It made my work at DOPL easier knowing I could depend on his help. Let the memories of the good times help get you through the sad times.

Sam Palmer

November 16, 2007

I have had the great pleasure of working with Vern these past several years on several of the ICC committees. Vern was always there to lead us to reach our goals! His friendship and expertise was genuine. Vern was a true advocate for our industry and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Sam

Fayez Fanik

November 16, 2007

I was greatly grieved to her of Vern's death. Vern was one of the most wonderful people that I met. I served on one of his code committeess during the last few years. My deepest sympathy to all of his family

Andrea Radwanski

November 16, 2007

To the Petersen family,

I can't express enough how sorry I am for your loss. I work for Promissor/Pearson VUE, and in my 5 years here, I had the privilege of working with Vern on a regular basis. He always showed me so much respect, and for that I will forever be grateful. I am deeply saddened by his loss.

I will always remember Vern's laugh...may his laughter carry on.

William Stevens

November 16, 2007

Mrs. Peterson, my wife and I really appreciated the hospitality you and Vern shared with us in 2005 while I was there for ICC business. Vern was a wonderful person, and I will miss his warm friendship. May the Lord bless you and your family during this time.

Ben Crass

November 16, 2007

My memories of Vern go back to High School and even prior to that. I remember riding up to Boys' State in Logan at Utah State University in 1967 with Vern and his father. Vern was a true inspiration in that I never heard him utter an unkind word about anyone. He will surely be missed by all who knew him.

Doug Hatch

November 16, 2007

Dear Nina and Family,
Vern was such a sincere friend to me and my family and we will miss him. It doesn't seem real that I can't just pick up the phone and call him. As you know, ten years ago at this very time of year he stayed at our home for a few months while working in CA. He was a great help and counselor to me as I was dealing with Wendy's death at the time. We loved his cooking, even came to depended on him for good meals. But even more, we enjoyed his cheerfulnes and positive attitude as he brightened our home and helped my children. Thank you for sharing him with us at that time. And since then, I've had a dear friend and co-worker I could call and talk to about thoughts and feelings, and even about work.
May the Lord bless you as you remember his example and the legacy he has left for you.
Sincerely, Doug Hatch

Scott & Linda Hardy

November 15, 2007

Dear Nina and Family:
Scott and I hold you all dear and want to share our sympathy and love with each of you.
We love Vern and will continue to do so ... we know he is close and pray that you will feel the comfort that comes from knowing this also.
Thank you for your influence in our lives....
Our love,
Scott and Linda Hardy

Craig Rindlisbach

November 15, 2007

Dear Nina and Family, thanks for being that Great Mormon family that you are and for the service your husband contributed the singles ward. Vern was a fighter and winner against all odds but even when cornered with heavy burdens he carried them willingly. Praise to his name and he was a friend of mine and our family. His great character has rubbed off on his familymembers.Love The Rindlisbach's

Fay Godsey

November 15, 2007

Dear Nina,

My heart is broken for you and your family. Vern was a wonderful man who touched a lot of lives in a special way, especially mine.

I so much enjoyed working with Vern since consolidation.

He will be missed deeply.

God Bless you and your family.

Beverly Konoian

November 15, 2007

Vernie,
You and Nina opened your home, your heart and your family to me, and for that I thank you. I will always admire, love and miss you.

Walt and Karen Bills

November 15, 2007

Dear Nina, Karen and I are profoundly sorry to hear of your loss. We have enjoyed immensely our limited association and pray you may be surrounded in the arms of your Heavenly Father's love.

Denise Ranquist

November 15, 2007

I will always remeber what an example you were to my kids and I and thanks for everything you have done for me in my life.

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