Jean Petersen

Jean Carol Petersen, 88, of Idaho Falls, passed away at his home Thursday, July 5, 2012 from cancer complications. He was under the care of his family and Aspen Home Health and Hospice. Jean was a Christmas baby, born December 25, 1923 in Worland, Wyoming to James Franklin Petersen and Edith Hawks Petersen. Jean spent the first seven years of his life in Worland, Wyoming. His family then moved to Preston, Idaho and later to Cornish, , Lewiston, and Cove, Utah. He graduated from North Cache High School in 1942 and continued his education at Utah State University. Jean gave up a great love of the family ranch in Cove when he enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II. He spent two years in the Navy and returned to Lewiston, where he met the sweetheart of his life, Clarice Thomson. They were married January 15, 1947 in the Logan Utah LDS Temple. Together they raised four children. Jean chose to work in construction. He built their first home in Lewsiton, Utah. Jean enjoyed many years of worked with his brother-in-law, Chester “Chet” Simmonds. Chet taught Jean the craft of drafting and carpentry Jean and Clarice lived in Salt Lake City, Utah and in 1957, moved to Idaho Falls, where he was employed as a construction superintendent for Heyrend Construction Company. Jean later bought the company and ran a successful business for many years. He enjoyed carpentry and helped to build many LDS churches, commercial buildings, and custom homes. Jean’s great love was his cabin. He was able to purchase a lot at Royal Vacation Homes at Palisades Lake and built a vacation home for his family and friends to enjoy. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating. Jean was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed serving in the Boy Scouts and many other callings. Jean is survived by his Wife: Clarice of Idaho Falls, ID; a Daughter, Arlene (John) Witbeck of Idaho Falls, ID; two Sons: Lance (Maureen) Petersen of Alpine, WY; and Ace (Kerry) Petersen of Idaho Falls, ID; 9 Grandchildren; and 5 Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Curtis Petersen; two brothers; and four sisters. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at the Idaho Falls LDS Stake Center (1155 E. First Street) with Bishop Doug Hillman of the Idaho Falls LDS 24th Ward officiating. The family will visit with friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday evening at Wood Funeral Home (273 North Ridge Avenue) and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. in Lewiston Utah Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home.

Funeral Services -- Tuesday

Tuesday July 10, 2012 , 11:00 a.m. at Idaho Falls LDS Stake Center

The family will visit with friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge, and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. in Lewiston Utah City Cemetery.