John Warde Peterson, age 50, passed away Friday, August 25, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 25, 1972 in Downey, California to Elden Walter Peterson and Barbara Ann Lee Peterson.
John spent his early years in California, but most of his life in Utah. He attended Jordan Valley School and later the Work Activity Center.
John was born with cerebral palsy which limited his abilities but not his enjoyment of life. He was blessed with many family members to help him in addition to many caring workers at the day program he attended. John was a blessing to his family and friends and was loved by everyone. He loved going to church and especially enjoyed the music. He had the privilege of attending Primary for over 40 years and was welcomed and loved by countless leaders and children. This was one of the highlights of his life.
John loved going on adventures that included boating, camping in the motorhome, snowmobiling, and visiting national parks. He traveled the country with his family in the motorhome visiting places such as the Worlds Fair in Spokane, Mount Rushmore, Nauvoo, Niagara Falls, the Statue of Liberty, and the White House. He's been to the top of the Sears Tower in Chicago and was lovingly carried to the cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde by his father.
He also loved doing things close to home such as going on car rides, swimming in the pool with nieces and nephews, and going for walks around the neighborhood.
John had a deep love for music. He enjoyed music boxes, listening to his father play the piano, and even liked looking at sheet music. He fell asleep each night listening to primary songs provided by his primary leaders.
While his abilities in this life may have been limited, he brought so much love and joy to his family. His time on earth also allowed others the opportunity to serve. John will be dearly missed by all.
John is survived by his loving parents Elden and Barbara Peterson, his siblings Sheri Ferguson, Marcia (Craig) Jacobsen, Mark (Kim) Peterson, David (Shauna) Peterson and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held Thursday, August 31, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Granite Ward chapel, 9575 South 3100 East, Sandy, Utah. A viewing will be held Wednesday, August 30, from 6-8 pm at the Granite Ward building and at 9:30 am prior to the service. Interment, Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
