Earl F. Petersen

EARL FREDRICK PETERSEN "You girls need to get an education." Education was priority for Dad and because of his encouragement, all three of his daughters graduated from college and achieved advanced degrees. Earl F. Petersen, himself, attended Idaho State University and University of Utah to achieve a B.S. in Physics and an M.A. in Nuclear Engineering, respectively. Earl started his career working for Westinghouse Electric Company (Arco, ID) as a nuclear engineer which brought him to the Tri-Cities in 1973. He continued to work as a nuclear engineer for various government subcontractors until "retirement" in 1996. In actuality, Earl never really retired; he consulted for engineering firms full time then part time until he was 83 years old. He also designed kitchens for Don Pratt Construction for 10 years. Earl was respected within his career and provided well for his family. Earl was born in Pocatello, Idaho on May 25 th , 1933. Being 12 & 13 years younger than his sisters, Earl was doted upon by twins, Venus (Sward) and Venice (DeBolt), and Caroline (Woodward). All three sisters preceded him in death. His father (Herman Petersen 1899-1989) was a railroad engineer; hence, if our family wasnt 10 minutes early for any activity, we were "late." His mother, Gladys (1899-1981) cherished Earl; Gladys was adored by Earls wife, Renee, as well as his children because of her kindness and delightful disposition. Earl graduated from Pocatello High School (1951). After marrying his wife, Renee Tomlinson , on August 3, 1962, and becoming a father to three daughters, Nicole Petersen (1964), and twins, Cari Lyn Petersen and Lori Gay (George) Waite (1967). Our family moved briefly to Bethel Park, PA, and then settled in Richland, WA, in 1973. Earl appreciated a variety of outdoor activities throughout his life: golfing in Scotland, Spain, and at Meadow Springs; pheasant hunting in the fields outside Pocatello, and skiing in Sun Valley. Family trips were a yearly adventure. Earl was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Meadow Springs Ward. He had a strong testimony of financial preparedness and staying out of debt. In addition to Earls wife and daughters, Earl is survived by his beloved grandchildren: Cassidy (Nick) Robertson, Maddison (Adrian) Meijome, Christopher (Inna) Petersen, and Audrey Waite and great grandchildren : Knox & Capri Robertson and Oliver & Paisley Meijome. Besides his parents and sisters, Earl was preceded in death by an infant son (Earl Fredrick 1966), and a daughter who succumbed to breast cancer, Cari Lyn (2009). Earl battled cancer for 9 years, the final 2 altered his active life. He passed away with his devoted wife, Renee by his side on November 11, 2018. The family of Earl would like to thank his various caregivers throughout the last few months. He was treated with respect and kindness. Hospice allowed him to stay at home where he was able to spend his last days around his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren (his hugs and high-five crew). Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 19, 11:00 am (viewing at 10 am) at the LDS Pittsburg building, 724 N Pittsburg St, Kennewick, WA. Internment, with Military Honors, will be on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 11:00 am at Mountainview Cemetery, 1520 S. 5th Ave. Pocatello, Idaho.

Burial

12/01/2018 11:00



Oakwood Dr. Building

225 Oakwood Drive

Pocatello

Idaho

83204