Phillip Noel Petersen

Phillip Noel Petersen, 85, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, passed away peacefully with his children by his side on December 3rd, 2025, in Evanston, Wyoming. A devoted educator, coach, and family man, Phil’s life was marked by unwavering dedication to his students, his community, and those he loved.

Born on November 27th, 1940, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Phil was the son of Louis and Frances Petersen. He graduated from Cheyenne Central High School before pursuing higher education at the University of Wyoming, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology. He later continued his studies at the University of Utah.

Phil, starting in 1965, dedicated over four decades to teaching science at the junior high, middle school, and high school in Evanston, WY. His passion for education extended beyond the classroom as he also was heavily involved in coaching. Through the 1970’s he had the honor of serving as the Evanston High School head football coach, winning a conference championship and being named coach of the year in 1977. He concluded his coaching career serving as an assistant in football and in basketball at various levels. His teaching and coaching contributions earned him induction as part of the inaugural class of the Evanston Red Devil Hall of Fame in 2013.

Phil married the love of his life, Vicki Sue Matthews Petersen on August 24th, 1963, with whom he shared 51 wonderful years until her passing in 2014. Together they built a loving family that brought him immense pride and joy.

He is survived by his children: Matt (Tamra) Petersen of Evanston, Wyoming; Patrick (Jennie) Petersen of Cave Springs, Arkansas; and Sami (Steven) Hobbs of Lacey, Washington. Phil was a proud grandfather to Taylor and Tyler Petersen; Kaia and Gryffin Petersen; and Lukas Hobbs.

Phil was preceded in death by his beloved wife Vicki Sue Matthews Petersen; his parents Louis and Frances Petersen; and his brother Leon Petersen.

Outside of work and family life, Phil found great joy in attending football and basketball games—especially cheering on the Evanston Red Devils, Wyoming Cowboys, Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. He enjoyed spending time on the golf course, traveling to Hawaii and Mexico with family, and together with Vicki, making constant journeys to “Laradise” to show his deep commitment to Cowboy athletics and the University of Wyoming Alumni Association.

In honoring his wishes, a celebration of his life will be held later in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to Evanston Red Devil athletics and wear your favorite Bills, Cowboys, or Red Devils gear proudly and cheer a little louder—just the way he would have wanted. Phil also would have wanted everyone to remember the words of his favorite player Josh Allen, who eloquently stated, “Go Pokes! And remember, it will always suck to be a CSU Ram!”