Lorraine Mantz Peterson

On August 28, 2023, Lorraine Peterson passed away peacefully in Logan, Utah, surrounded by her 5 children.

Lorraine was born on January 20, 1935, in Redwood City, California. She was the second of two daughters born to Dewey and Dorothy Ekstrom. She adored her older sister, Kathleen, her entire life and considered her to be her very best friend. Her early days were spent on the beach of Surf, CA with her parents, sister, and a variety of pets. Her father was a telegraph operator for the railroad and this job moved the family to Salt Lake City, Delta, then Cedar City, Utah where she graduated from High School and Southern Utah College.

After graduating from college in 1956 she returned to California where she met and married Paul Mantz. The couple moved to Cedar City, Utah, where Paul later graduated from SUC. In 1964 they moved their little family of 4 children (Kit, Tina, Eric, and Laura) to Blanding, Utah, to begin their teaching careers. Robert was soon added to the family. They raised all of their children in Blanding. Paul and Lorraine later divorced.

Lorraine loved teaching at Blanding Elementary School. “Mrs. Mantz” taught for many years and never forgot a student. She cherished every one of them and loved watching them grow up. She had great joy in meeting her students as adults and always had a memory to share about them.

Music was a great part of her life. Lorraine was involved in many choirs, including “The Canyonlanders” which sang at many events in San Juan County during the 1970’s and 80’s. She was part of the “Utah Heritage Choir” in St. George, Utah, as well as the “The Heritage Choir” when she moved to Cache Valley. Sitting at her piano playing and singing with anyone who would like to sing with her was her favorite pastime. She was an accomplished piano player and even in her last year, when she had forgotten so many things, she did not forget how to play the piano.

Her father loved to oil paint, and Lorraine inherited that love. She painted many pictures of her beloved San Juan County, along with paintings of her happy memories living by the ocean. These pictures bring joy to her children and grandchildren.

Lorraine was always very active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She kept her testimony strong and shared it often with her family. She had many opportunities to serve and always did her best at whatever she was asked to do.

In 1992, Lorraine married Robert Peterson. Lorraine and “Bob” served two temple missions to Stockholm, Sweden. There she made special friends and memories that lasted through her life. Together, they served for many years as ordinance workers in the Logan, Utah, Temple.

Of all her talents and accomplishments, her favorite was attending any event that involved her children or grandchildren. She attended every sporting event, performance, or activity that she could, even up to her mid-eighties. If you asked her what her greatest joy was, she would always say her children.

Lorraine is lovingly survived by her 5 children and 5 stepchildren, Albert Paul “Kit” (Celia) Mantz; Tina (Jerry) Murdock; Eric (Natalie) Mantz; Laura Mantz; Robert (Joanna) Mantz; Corry Peterson; Tawn Peterson; Thayne (Mona) Peterson; Collin (Kim) Peterson; Reva Lynn (Ted) Blaney. She is survived by 42 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Kathleen Terry, and wonderful nieces and nephews that she loved very much. Lorraine is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert Peterson; two grandchildren and her brother-in-law, Harry Terry.

Her family would like to thank Maple Springs Assisted Living in Logan, Utah, for their kind and loving service. Thank you also to Nelson Funeral Home in Logan, Utah, for their kind care.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. For information on the Celebration please contact Laura at (801) 244-6235