Ken Petersen

On January 23, 2017 our Dad, Grandpa, and friend, Kenneth Kay Petersen returned to heaven to finally reunite with his Mom and Dad, whom he missed dearly. Our Dad, Kenneth Kay Petersen was born on March 11, 1947 to Ralph Petersen and Myrtle Mary Neilsen-Petersen. He was one of five children; sisters: Devola, Cora, and Carma; and his brother, Shirl. Our Dad graduated from Bountiful High School in 1965 and furthered his education at ITT Technical School where he received a degree in welding. Our Dad Ken enlisted in the Navy in 1969 and served for a brief period in the Vietnam War. He was very patriotic and loved the song “God Bless the USA.”

Our Dad Ken married his first wife Marilyn, later divorced, but together had a daughter, Wendy Petersen-Hurman. On November 19, 1969 he married Carol Bills, later divorced, but together they had David Petersen (Billie Jo), and Amber Bridges (Scott). Our Dad had six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren (three more on the way). Our Dad Ken had such a strong faith in the LDS church. He felt very fortunate to be able to go through the LDS Temple. He had such a strong faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Our Dad Ken had many passions throughout his life. As a teenager he enjoyed fixing up cars and was a member of a car club. Our Dad was also a coach for his son, David’s baseball team for many summers. He loved working with young kids. Our Dad’s biggest passion was being an over-the-road truck driver; he was a truck driver for almost thirty years. He would often tell people that he had driven close to three million miles and had pretty much covered every major city throughout the United States. He kept a map book of the United States and highlighted all areas he had been. Since retiring he has lived vicariously through his son, David who is also an over-the-road truck driver. He was so proud of David and what he had accomplished through school and now his truck driving. He loved the phone calls from David with updates of where David was going to be traveling. They would often discuss which highways would be used in David’s travels.

Our Dad was also very proud of me, Amber. I became a distance runner and have run a handful of marathons. My Dad never missed a race. He was there to attend almost every one and always met me at the finish line. He bragged to everyone about my accomplishments. My dad was giddy with all inclusions of our lives. His heart was so filled with love for us that it was hard to believe his heart fit inside his chest. We are going to miss his goofy and playful personality, his beautiful blue eyes, and his deep love for us.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 27, 2017 at Memorial Lake Hills Mortuary, 10055 South State Street, Sandy, Utah. A viewing will be held on Thursday from 6:00 – 8:00 PM and again one hour prior to funeral services at the same location. Interment will be at Memorial Lake Hills Cemetery. Condolences may be left for the family at www.MemorialUtah.com.