Ralph Peterson

Ralph E. Peterson, 88, of Washington, Utah, formerly of Iona and Idaho Falls, passed away July 18, 2013, at Beehive Living Center in St. George, Utah, following a battle with leukemia. Ralph passed away peacefully with his wife, Laura Peterson, and other family members, by his side. Ralph was born March 16, 1925, in Ririe, Idaho, to Nellie and Clay Peterson. He graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1943, and then began his military service. He served two years in the 551st Bombardment Squadron. He also served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1958 to 1961 and in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1962 to 1969. He retired from the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) in May 1987, after working at the MTR, ETR, and ATR reactor facilities. Ralph was an accomplished guitarist and lifelong member of the Old Time Fiddlers. He joined the Fiddlers in 1965 and served as Idaho Chairman of District 8 in 1975 and 1976. In 1994, he served as president of the Idaho Old Time Fiddlers. In Utah, he served as District Chairman of the Dixie Chapter and has been an active member for many years. Ralph was a High Priest in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Over the years, he has served as High Priest Group Leader, Gospel Doctrine Teacher, as well as in many other callings. He was an avid genealogist and spent many long hours serving in the Temple. Survivors include: his Wife, Laura Peterson Daughter, Raline (Blaine) Rowley, Daughter, Janis (Robert) Sadzewicz, Daughter, Ginger (Robert) Meeks, Daughter, Charlene Smith, Son, Loren (Elaine) Peterson, Daughter, Vickie (David) Ahlstrom, Daughter, Christine (John) Campbell Daughter, Brenda (Michael) Shadler Step Son, Lyle Pederson Step Son, Brent (Brenda) Pederson Step Daughter, Laura Lee Tomita Step Son, Tom Tomita Step Son, Bill Tomita Step Daughter, MaryLynn (Greg) Nelson Step Daughter, Becky Jo Tomita Ralph was formerly married to Barbara Oswald (1947-1963) and Peggy Pederson (1963-1984). Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 22, 2013, at the Washington LDS 6th Branch, Washington, Utah. Graveside Funeral Services will be held in Idaho Falls at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, July 23, 2013, at Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery. Military Rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and Idaho Honor Guard. The family will visit with friends from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Tuesday at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road.

Graveside Services - Tuesday

12:15 pm ,Tuesday, July 23, 2013 Fielding Memorial Park 4750 South Yellowstone Highway Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Notes: The family will visit with friends from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. Tuesday at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road.