Joan Alice Jensen Peterson

Joan Alice Jensen Peterson, Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully, at the age of 82, surrounded by her family, on February 12, 2024, after valiantly enduring the effects of Parkinson's Disease.

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Joan was born on May 11, 1941, in Logan, Utah to Ronald Victor Jensen and Delores Schiess Jensen. She grew up on her family's dairy farm in Hyrum, Utah where she loved animals, riding horses, and working with her family on the farm. She was the second oldest of six children and enjoyed caring for her younger siblings. Joan loved learning. She was involved in many school activities and was a cheerleader at South Cache High School. She continued her education at Utah State University where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development and Elementary Education.

Joan met her sweetheart and eternal companion, Wayne Peterson, by chance, while on a date at a dance at Utah State University. They began dating shortly after they met. Joan had seen him before and had remarked to friends, "Now, he would be nice to marry." When Wayne met Joan, he thought she was the sweetest person he had ever met. He came to know how true that was.

Joan wrote to Wayne while on his mission, and their courtship continued after his return. They were married in the Logan Utah Temple, on July 20, 1962. Joan and Wayne anticipated celebrating 62 years of marriage this year.

Joan often expressed that her greatest desire was to become a mother and grandmother. She was a devoted mother of 6 children, grandmother of 26 and great grandmother of 19 (soon to be 20). She created a loving and inviting home for her children and grandchildren. They were particularly delighted by her thoughtful gifts, quick wit, and the things she taught them. Joan was actively involved in her children's schools, on the PTA Board, and in their classrooms. She loved spending time with her family and being involved in whatever they enjoyed doing. Her children and grandchildren were the joy of her life.

Joan had a beautiful soprano singing voice. She loved singing, reading, playing tennis, and skiing. She was an excellent cook and loved serving others in this way. She served on the board of "Love Light's the Way" for the Cottonwood Healthcare Foundation and on the board for the Governor's Mansion Foundation.

Joan was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served faithfully in her callings throughout her life. She served as a Stake Relief Society counselor, Ward Relief Society president, Young Women counselor, Primary president, and teacher in many organizations in the ward. Joan also served as a support to her husband in his callings and enjoyed serving with him when they were asked to serve together. She served with her husband as Mission President over the California Oakland mission for three years. She loved the missionaries and had a powerful influence in their lives. Several years later, Joan served with Wayne when he was called to serve in the Area Presidency in the Europe West Area in England for two years. Then, they served three years in the Europe East Area in Russia. After completing these assignments, Joan served as Matron, alongside Wayne, who served as Temple President, of the Nauvoo Illinois Temple for three years. She led in a gentle and loving way with both temple workers and patrons alike. These were treasured years for both Joan and Wayne. Upon returning to Utah, they were again assigned to serve together one final time, over the Family and Church History Headquarters Mission in Downtown Salt Lake City for two years.

Joan lived a life of service and sacrifice and exemplified the pure love of Christ. Throughout her life, she met challenges with trust in the Lord and faith in Him.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Wayne Skeen Peterson, her children: Linda (David) Connelly, Jill (Richard) Reese, Judith (Jim) Campbell, David (Marcia)Peterson, Kathryn (Mike) Brimley, and Paul (Emily) Peterson. Her brother, Jon Jensen (Loretta), and two sisters, Rosemary (Don) White, and Maureen (Gary) Anderson. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Ronald, and Jeffrey, and one granddaughter, Ashley Peterson.

A viewing will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary located at 1950 East 106th South in Sandy, Utah.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 11:00 am in the LDS Church at 1825 East 6400 South in Salt Lake City. Prior to the funeral service, a viewing will be held at the church from 9:00 am to 10:30 am that morning. Interment will be in the Larkin Sunset Garden Cemetery.

We express gratitude for the dedicated care and service of Raja and Jayce of Visiting Angels, and Shannon, Sara, and Serena of Hospice of Utah.

In Lieu of flowers, please donate to the missionary fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

To watch the service via zoom, please follow this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84308242807