Jerry Peterson

Gerald (Jerry) Byron Peterson was born on June 2nd, 1932, at St. Luke's Hospital in Boise, Idaho as an only child to his parents William Byron Peterson and Eileen L. Peterson (Weston).
Jerry enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF) as a radio operator in November 1950, often recalling that he joined to "get the hell outta Dodge." He went on to serve proudly during the Korean War (1950-1953).
He met his (late) wife, Doris (Charlene) Witt in 1952 while in the military, at a dance at Wright-Patterson Airforce Base in Dayton, Ohio and stated that he knew almost immediately that Charlene was "the one". They married in San Francisco California on August 13th that same year (1952), while he was still serving in the USAF. 1952 was a big year him. From meeting and marrying the love of his life, he also was sent to be stationed in Japan and didn't return to the United States until 1954.
While stationed in Tachikawa, Japan as a 2nd Class Airman in the 374th Communications Squadron, part of the 315th Air Division (Combat Cargo), Jerry was one of the soldiers responsible for managing the Military Amateur Radio Systems (MARS). He worked with his squadron to collect soldier's messages from R & R and helped deliver them via radio to their loved ones. While stationed in Japan, he was one of the many responsible for efforts in the Tachikawa Air Disaster recovery, and also had some experience with the main Prisoner Exchange after the Korean War Armistice was signed.
Jerry left the service in 1954, despite the offer of a promotion to a Sargent if he re-enlisted. For his efforts in the military, he received a number of awards and recognition from various parties. Some of them include (but not limited to) "Ambassador For Peace", an official proclamation from the Republic of Korea (Korean Government), "National Defense" from the United States Air Force, "Korean Service", from the United States Air Force, "Efficiency, Honor, Fidelity", from the United States Air Force.
After serving in the military, Jerry used the benefits of the Gl bill to go to college at the University of Utah where he and his family have resided since. He and Charlene had three children together; Mark Peterson, Gregory Peterson and Valerie Peterson. He worked a long career in sales for major window covering sellers until retiring in 2012. He loved keeping his mind active, always tinkering with little projects or spending time on his HAM radio (call sign W7LEB), where he enjoyed connecting with people across the globe. Gardening was another of his great joys, and he took pride in the many years he spent growing tomatoes, watermelons and pumpkins for his grandchildren.
Jerry passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, August 25, 2025. Jerry is preceded in death by his wife, Charlene (2020), and his beloved dog, Coco. He is survived by his 3 children, Mark, Greg and Valerie Peterson, 2 grandchildren, Amanda and Shelby Peterson, and 2 great-grandchildren, Anniston and Beckett Ballantine.
A viewing will be held to celebrate his life on Friday, September 5th, 2025 at 1:00PM at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home located at 4760 S State St, Murray UT 84107. A graveside service will also be held following the viewing at 2:30PM at Murray City Cemetery located at 5490 S Vine St, Murray, UT 84107.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Best Friends Animal Society in honor of Jerry's love for animals, or another charity of your choosing