Arlington VerNon Petersen

Arlington Petersen passed away peacefully in his home December 9, 2022 surrounded by his loved ones.
VerNon was born in Newton , Utah to Marinus P. and Mary Elizabeth Petersen on January 7, 1920.
VerNon was the 5th child of 9 children. We was preceded in death by both parents and six of his siblings, his daughter Dorothy Mae, a son, Gerald VerNon Petersen, his son-in-law James Edward Chance and in June 2015 he lost the love of his life, Dorothy Saunders Petersen.
VerNon attended school in Newton, Utah and North Cache High School in Smithfield, Utah. While attending Seminary he met Dorothy Saunders. As she walked passed him she told her girlfriend that she would marry him someday! Two years later Dorothy and VerNon were married on October 11, 1937 in the Logan Temple for Time and all Eternity. They were a loving couple, always holding hands, building a small farm which they loved working on together. They had three children in Newton, Dorothy Mae, Gerald VerNon, and Eugene Neil. In 1942 they moved to Downey, California and opened a small café, called Pete’s Café. It was a small family business with his parents and they were known for the best hamburgers around!
VerNon joined the Navy during WW ll and left his wife and three small children, however, he was willing to serve his Country, and very happy to return to his sweet family. In July 1947 they lost their daughter Dorothy Mae in a car accident. This loss was almost unbearable, nevertheless, realizing they would have her again in the eternities helped made them stronger. Christie Ann was born 10 months later and Kevin Dee 8 years after that. They dedicated their lives to raising a strong loving family in the gospel.
VerNon was devoted to his family and to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many capacities, Elders Quorum, High Priest Group Leader and in two Bishoprics. He served two Stake Missions and served faithfully in any way he could.
VerNon was foreman for a California Lumber Company for 42 years and loved every minute! In 1983 VerNon and Dorothy retired and returned to Cache Valley, a placed they loved and always called home. They shared a home with their daughter Christie and husband Jim for 40 years and had the time of our lives! Mom and dad enjoyed going to the Temple and working together in the vegetable and flower gardens they enjoyed their grandchildren and spending time with their family. They wintered in Quartzsite AZ for many years and spent the rest of the year in Cache Valley. After the passing of Dorothy, VerNon attended the Temple twice weekly in service of our Heavenly Father.
Dad touched the lives of many, he has been an exemplary example to his family by showing unconditional love, integrity and love for his Savior and the gospel.
VerNon is survived by his children, (daughter–in-law) Rosemary Petersen, of Beebe AR, Eugene and Luana Petersen of Coeur d’Alene, ID, Christie Chance of Hyde Park, UT, Kevin and Carol Petersen of Farmington, UT. Morgan Petersen (brother) of Palm Springs, CA and Lois Taylor (sister) of Las Vegas, NV. 12 grandchildren, 21 great grand children and 11 great-great grandchildren.
Dad will be missed beyond words and his death was sweet and peaceful, knowing the joy of his reunion with his sweet wife and children and family brings us joy, peace and comfort.
We love you dad with all our heart and soul, we are looking forward to reunite again. Hugs!