Joseph Earl Peterson Jr

Joseph Earl Peterson Jr., 84, passed away peacefully at home in Murray, Utah on February 20, 2025, in his den surrounded by his beloved books. He was born on August 27, 1940, in Rio Tinto, Nevada, to Joseph Earl Peterson Sr. and Velma Nilene Hughes Peterson. He was the second of ten children. Joseph left home at 17 years old and began his military career in the Army. He proudly served in the U.S. Army for eight years as a Master electrician, with assignments in Alaska, Korea, Germany, and Washington D.C. His expertise later took him to remarkable places around the world, including Saudi Arabia. Joseph married Kerry Kinder in 1968 and later divorced in 1976. Together they had one daughter, Heather. Joseph married his sweetheart Loretta Brown on February 3rd, 1983, at his home in Price Utah. They were later sealed for eternity in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Together they have four children: Jared, Brittany, Alex and Courtney. Joseph dedicated his life to service and hard work. Joseph was a proud member in good standing of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 354 since 1966. He concluded his career at the Tooele Chemical Agent Disposal Facility (TOCDF), where he played a vital role in the destruction of chemical weapons such as mustard gas and VX. Joseph retired in October 2013 when the facility had successfully destroyed all chemical weapons. Beyond his professional life, Joseph found great joy in intellectual pursuits. He was an avid chess player who appreciated the strategy and patience the game required. He also dedicated much of his time to reading and studying history and religious literature. Throughout his life he collected books and built an extensive library. Joseph was known for his brilliant mind and an exceptional ability to process numbers mentally with ease. Joseph also enjoyed working with his hands and particularly enjoyed woodworking. He was the one to call if you needed electrical or construction assistance. He was very generous and kindhearted towards others. Joseph was always one who could be counted on to help. He loved the holidays and spent time shopping for gifts and food for the family to enjoy. He also enjoyed decorating for Christmas and particularly loved his woodsy Christmas tree and singing angels. Joseph was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and valued his faith deeply. Together, Joseph and his wife served a mission in Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph also enjoyed spending time doing his family history and serving in the Temple. For Christmas this year Joseph wrote down his testimony for a record to all his family. Joseph possessed a strong testimony of His Savior Jesus Christ. Joseph is survived by his beloved wife, Loretta Peterson; Children: Heather Peterson (Rick), Troy Skinner, Kim (Corban) Summers, Jared (Lindsay) Peterson, Brittany Anderson (Justin), Alex Peterson, & Courtney (Harlyn) Green. Grandchildren: Skyler (Kassie) Sommer, Danika Sommer, Saige Christensen; Jacob and Samuel Peterson; Hallee, Aizik and Huxley Anderson; Dove, Phoenix and Max Peterson; Lilith and Hayden Green. Siblings; AJ, Grace & Mary Ann Peterson. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Earl Peterson and Velma Nilene Hughes Peterson; siblings: Ethel, Melva, Velma, Edward, Peter and Della Peterson, daughter-in-law Holly Marie Peterson; & grandchild Wren Holly Peterson, Beloved Pups; Malachi and Elijah. Joseph’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and he will be greatly missed. Services will be held at the LDS church building located at 6180 South Glenoaks St (850 East), Murray, UT 84107 on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025. The Viewing from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM. Funeral Service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Graveside Service Internment will take place at Redwood Memorial Cemetery, 6500 S Redwood Rd, West Jordan, UT 84084 at 12:30 PM with Military Honors.

Joseph Earl Peterson Jr

August 27, 1940 - February 20, 2025