John Mervin Peterson

John Mervin Peterson, 64, passed away on November 18, 2024, after a 14-month battle with metastatic prostate cancer. A devoted husband, father of four, and grandfather of 12, John was known for his love of life, hard work, service to others, and unwavering faith.

 Early Life

Born on August 11, 1960, in Mountain Home, Idaho, to Lloyd and Janet Peterson, John was the third of ten children. His father’s Air Force career meant frequent moves during his childhood— Idaho to Georgia, then California. By age 14, the family settled in Alpine, Utah. John graduated from American Fork High School, excelling in football, running his own roofing business, and helping build the family home alongside his father and brothers. 

Education and Marriage

John attended the University of Utah, earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Communications. There, he met Linda Jean Hanson, and they married on November 26, 1982. Later, they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple, beginning a lifelong partnership centered on love, family, and faith.

Career 

John’s professional life was marked by success and a people-first approach. He began selling shoes at Nordstrom, forming lifelong friendships, and later transitioned to furniture sales at R.C. Willey. He achieved multiple $1 million sales years and became a furniture department manager. John was admired for supporting coworkers both professionally and personally, earning their respect as a compassionate and fair leader. 

Family and Values 

Hard work was a cornerstone of John’s life, a value he instilled in his children. At 12, he delivered newspapers in Riverside, a job he fondly recalled through stories and neighborhood tours with his kids. At 15, he started his own roofing business, later teaching his children practical skills like home repairs, car maintenance, and responsibility through work. 

Passion for Life

At 54, John gained a renewed appreciation for life, leading to a decade of competing in triathlons, half-marathons, and cycling events. The 2015 Spudman Triathlon was his first individual race, and it became a cherished annual tradition shared with siblings, children, nieces, nephews, and even his wife. John’s legacy of grit and perseverance will continue to inspire his family and friends. 

Legacy 

John cherished the outdoors as a gathering place for family. He organized annual backpacking trips to Grand Daddy Lake, ensured everyone was well-fed during elk hunts in Fairview and visiting the beach often. 

His grandchildren brought him immense joy. He adored Matthew, Lucas, Austin, Norah, Andrew, Jacob, Claire, Jane, Braxton, Liam, Jace, and Elle and delighted in hosting Santa at his home on Christmas Eve. Seeing the wonder on their faces as they opened gifts brought him some of his greatest happiness. 

John was a man of faith who cherished his family and God. His tears of gratitude and faith in his belief in eternal families and the blessings of the gospel. 

Survived By 

John is survived by his wife, Linda Jean Peterson; his children, Jared (Katie) Peterson, Isaac (Jessica) Peterson, Nicole (Colter) Morby, and Danielle (Jordan) Anderson; and his siblings, Lynda Peterson, Marcus (Tami) Peterson, Connie (Ed) Knowlton, Matthew (Kerry) Peterson, Lisa (Jamie) Palmer, Keith (Michelle) Peterson, David (Tanja) Peterson, Brian (Tiffany) Peterson, and Lori (Wade) Snarr. 

Preceded in Death 

He was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Draper Peterson; his mother, Janet Saunders Peterson; and his granddaughter, Elle Marie Anderson. 

Viewing and Funeral Services 

Thursday, November 21st • Viewing: 7:00 - 9:00 PM • Mountain View Mortuary, 3115 East Bengal Blvd (7800 South), Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121

Friday, November 22nd • Viewing: 11:00 AM - 12:45 PM • Funeral Services: 1:00 - 2:00 PM • Cottonwood 8th Ward, 6301 South 2300 East, Holladay, UT 84121 

To watch the funeral services remotely, please use https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82886051018?pwd=6zq4eFkQvrZKRF4tCTnob0YaJ5VUuM.1