Gunlock, Utah - Earl Leonard Petersen left this mortal life on June 26, 2012. He was born in Cheyenne, Laramie County, Wyoming on Dec. 6, 1926, the son of Carl Ferdinand and Emma Hennig Petersen.

Earl spent his early life in Cheyenne, graduating from Cheyenne High School. He spent his teenage years getting into mischief.

He joined the Merchant Marines after High school. He was a medaled veteran, earning his WWII Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal - Japan. His military involvement was very important to him, he was proud to be an American and to be able to serve his country honorably.

He married Joan Gardner on Oct.5, 1951, in Spanish Fork, Utah. They made their home in Provo / Orem and had 5 children, whom he always loved and saw that they were provided for. Later divorced, he married Lavon Ingram Gardner on August 8th, 1985. This union added 5 step-children to his family. He and Lavon lived in Provo for a short time before moving to Gunlock, Utah.

Earl was a very hard worker, providing for his family was always very important to him. He graduated from the Technical College with a degree in Heating and Air conditioning. He was employed by the Gas Company, Craghead Plumbing and Heating and Utah County, from which he retired.

He was very handy and could fix anything. He took the time to teach his children how to fix and repair things and didn't just do it for them. For this they will always be grateful. He was always willing to help anyone that needed his help.

Dad had many friends and acquaintances. His friends called him "Pete". He loved to spend time with them just "shootin' the Bull". He had a rough and tough exterior but he owned a soft heart, caring and loving those he associated with.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing, in his younger days and Chocolates, all the time. He definitely had a sweet tooth!

He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl Ferdinand and Emma Hennig Petersen; brother- in-law, Mack Walker; son-in-law, Steven Lavar Fausett; and grandson, Ryan Steven Fausett. He is survived by his wife, LaVon; twin sister, Velma Walker; sister, Phyllis (Jim) Penrod; brother, Carl "Bill" (Gayle) Petersen; children: Randa Lee (Frank) Garrett, Cathy ("Bud") Gardner, Kent (Shelley) Petersen, Calvin (Shauna) Petersen, and Teresa (Robbie) Carter; step-children: Elaine (Todd) Losee, TeriLyn (Scotty) Fuller, Kyle (Cindy) Gardner, Kelly Gardner (Tom) and Aaron (Julie) Gardner; 46 Grandkids; and 39 Great-Grandkids.

We would like to extend our appreciation and love for the people, friends and neighbors of Gunlock, for the many acts of kindness shown to Dad, which lifted some of his burden and helped to brighten his life. Countless hours have been selflessly given. We would also like to thank those who have assisted him with his medical care, all these years.

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 6, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Gunlock LDS Ward Chapel, 733 North Main Street, Gunlock, Utah. A visitation will be held Friday, prior to services, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Chapel. Interment will follow at the Gunlock Cemetery.

We Love you Dad! You are no longer bound by the chains of this life, but free to continue on your journey!