John Peterson

John Edwin "Pete" Peterson, 88, of Idaho Falls passed away on February 23, 2018, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Pete was born January 5, 1930, in Kewanee, Illinois, to Arthur and Edith Peterson. He grew up and attended school in his home town where he graduated from Weathersfield Township High School in 1948, lettering in track and football. Pete graduated in the top ten of his class. After high school graduation, he joined the United States Navy traveling to many locations around the world, including Europe and Asia. The Navy brought him to Idaho Falls where he worked at the Naval Reactors Facility (NRF). He successfully completed the Special Naval Training Program for the reactor plant design for the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) and was a proud plank owner. While at NRF, he met his love, Shirley Ann Albers. They were married May 9, 1958, in Idaho Falls and in June of 1959, were blessed with twin daughters, Christy Jo and Cynthia Ann. Pete's Navy career took the family to many places including Newport News, Virginia, Great Lakes, Illinois, and San Francisco, California. While stationed in Newport News, he helped put the USS Enterprise into commission. Upon completion of his duties at Newport News, the family moved to Great Lakes, Illinois, where he taught leadership classes at the Naval Station Great Lakes, the largest training facility in the Navy. For a short time, the family lived in San Francisco, eventually moving back to Idaho Falls after his Navy retirement in 1968. Pete then worked at the U.S. Postal Service, retiring in 1988, at the age of 57. Pete loved to cook and that passion took him to culinary school in Arizona. The family enjoyed spending time together and feasting on the wonderful meals he prepared. His other hobbies included fishing, camping, hiking, gardening and reading. Pete loved the outdoors and everything it had to offer. He was involved in the preservation of national forests and wildlife and volunteered at the Fish and Game Department. He took pride in always having a beautifully groomed yard and garden, and was always willing to lend a hand to neighbors, friends, and extended family. He was actively involved in the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion, holding several offices, including Commander. He proudly carried the flag of the United States each Memorial Day at local cemetery celebrations and enjoyed serving his community. Pete was always a very hard worker and proudly built the beautiful home they resided in. Pete was a member of the Zions Lutheran Church. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Shirley, daughters, Christy (Michael) Greene and Cynthia (Craig) Styhl, granddaughter, Brittany (Nick) Larsen, all of Idaho Falls. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Lois. Pete will be dearly missed by family and friends and will be remembered as a great husband and dad. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at EIRMC for the compassion and care shown to Pete and his family during his stay. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 28, 2018, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue, in Idaho Falls. The family will visit with friends one hour prior to the services. Burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to a charity of your choice in Pete's memory.

Funeral Services will be held