Michael R Petersen, 81, passed away on April 21, 2023. Mike was born in Cornish, Utah on September 8, 1941 to Russell and Barbara Elwood Petersen. He was raised on the family dairy farm in Lewiston, Utah. When he was 19 years old, he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in North Germany from 1960 to 1963. After he returned home, he attended Utah State University receiving a BS degree in Chemistry. He went on to receive a PhD in Chemical Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego and a MS degree in Irrigation Science at USU. Mike loved to learn and also self-taught himself multiple languages and was constantly studying scientific wonders.
While an undergraduate at USU, Mike met Arlene Dallimore. They were married December 28, 1966 in the Logan Temple. Mike and Arlene then made homes in Solana Beach, California and Richland, Washington. In 1981 they returned to Cache Valley and settled in Providence, Utah. Mike is a man who loves God and family. He showed his love and faith by serving those around him. Gardening was a passion that helped bring joy to all who knew him. Neighbors enjoyed his sharing of the fruit of the harvests along with his willing hand and knowledge to beautify their yards. Later in life, Mike and Arlene faithfully served church missions in Durban, South Africa and Logan, Utah.
Mike is survived by his loving wife Arlene and his six children: Karen LeFevre (Evan), Eric Petersen (Dori), Amy Hall (Russ), Brenda Larsen (Shane), Wendy Zollinger (Chad), and Doug Petersen (C’Anne), 25 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. He is also survived by his sisters Katherine Robinson, Jill Bliesner (Ron), and Janet Hinesley (Trevor).
He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother Mark Petersen.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 29th at 11:00 am at White Pine Funeral Services (753 South 100 East, Logan, Utah).
A viewing will preced the funeral from 9:00 – 10:30 am with interment to follow at the Hyde Park City Cemetery.
Those who would like to attend the service virtually may use the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84114861603
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at White Pine Funeral Home.