Delbert Arthur Petersen, 98, of Ephrata, Washington, passed away on July 11, 2007 from complications associated with prostate cancer. Delbert was born on November 13, 1908 to Arthur Mouritz Petersen and Mary Eliza Seamons Petersen in Hyde Park, Utah. Delbert spent the last several years working for and living with his son-in-law Lyle Kay Bair and his youngest daughter Dixie Petersen Bair. During that time, he faithfully studied religious principles, provided numerous hours of service to humanitarian projects, completed word searches, and spent time with family and friends.
Born in the early 1900’s to an agricultural family in Cache Valley Utah, Delbert learned at a young age the art and discipline of working the fields and tending to livestock. He and his siblings spent countless hours pasturing cattle and planting, weeding, harvesting, and hauling wheat, hay, alfalfa and sugar beets. Such work was performed through the assistance of his loyal horse Dutch, horse drawn wagons, cutters, and plows and in many cases by hand. Delbert had a great opportunity to observe the change in technology between the early 1900’s and the early 21st century and was often amazed by the conveniences and luxuries technology provided. In his journal, Delbert recalled the first automobile ever owned by his family – a 1918 model Nash. In Delbert’s typical humor he stated, “We thought we were pretty fancy.”
Despite his hard work in the fields, Delbert still made time for his favorite sport – baseball! Delbert excelled as a pitcher and was one of the very few in the entire Cache Valley to have a strong command of the strike zone. When not working, attending school, or playing baseball, what else was a young man to do? A little known secret about Delbert is his knack for teenage mischief and pranks. In his journal, Delbert records stories of swimming in the family watering hole on hot summer days. The only problem with this scenario is that he and his buddies were often nude and awfully close to a heavily trafficked road. Needless to say, they caused quite a raucous.
Delbert had a love and excitement for music and scouting, and could perfectly send and receive Morse code. During his youth, he was an active trumpeter and drummer in a Cache Valley dance band and orchestra. His band was highly requested and played at multiple public events and at nearly every dance. His passion for music also prompted him to learn to play the guitar, ukulele, banjo, and piano. In addition to musical instruments, Delbert enjoyed singing in a local quartet and in church choirs. Initially singing tenor, he found he was a much better bass after his voice changed. Delbert was successful in his musical ventures even though he was unable to fully read music. One of his favorite pastimes was playing His organ. A Christmas favorite was having the family gather around the organ and sing Christmas Carols.
Despite these interests, Delbert’s greatest passions were for the gospel of Jesus Christ, family and friends. Delbert attended Primary and Sunday school throughout his youth and was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the age of 8 on December 2, 1916. He remained faithful and diligent to his Church and priesthood responsibilities, and worked tirelessly to be a good example to his family, friends, and peers.
His diligence and hard work exhibited as a youth carried forward throughout his life. This hard work paid off in 1925 when, while working for Samuel Burgess on his farm, he caught the eye of his daughter, Mildred. On December 12, 1928, Delbert married his eternal sweetheart in the Logan, Utah LDS temple. The endearing couple parented three children; Joyce, Milton, and Dixie. Delbert and Mildred worked hard over their 62-year marriage to ensure the same gospel principles taught to him by his parents and grandparents were offered to his children.
Delbert was one of the first farmers in the Columbia River area, leaving Hyde Park, Utah in March 1954 to participate in the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project in Washington State. He was the hardest of workers and refused to be idle. He loved to run the large tractors and combines getting up early taking his lunch and working late. Delbert’s enthusiasm for horses and farming never ceased and he continued to work outdoors late into his 90’s.
Delbert’s life was committed to service, sacrifice, and courage. He was committed to carrying on the traditions of his ancestors who struggled mightily as they trekked across the plains as part of the Willie Handcart Company to pursue religious freedoms. Their sacrifice profoundly affected Delbert and his desire to live his life to be worthy of the sacrifices they made. This commitment and fervor allowed him to survive great trials of faith and fortitude throughout his life such as the Great Depression, his brothers fighting in world wars, and pressing on after the untimely deaths of his sweetheart and dear grandson, Steven. Delbert maintained a strong belief that we must accept our trials, trust in our Heavenly Father, and sustain one another in our challenges. His passion for service bettered the lives of others and continues to be evident in his children and their posterity.
Delbert considered his family as one of his greatest blessings, including his parents and grandparents, and was so proud of their accomplishments. One of his celebrated traditions was gathering as a family on Sunday evenings for popcorn and root beer floats. Delbert had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ, his role as our Savior, and the opportunity our Savior provided us to be with our families in His presence for all eternity. He was and continues to be a beacon of strength, devotion, perseverance, faithfulness, compassion, and humility.
He is survived by:
Brothers and Sisters: Mervin and Charlotte Petersen of Denver, Colorado
Gretta Bingham Petersen of Bountiful, Utah
Sons and Daughters: Joyce and Hal Richmond of Plano, Texas
Milton and Janet Petersen of Richland, Washington
Dixie and Lyle Bair of Ephrata, Washington
Grandchildren: 17 grandchildren, 52 great grandchildren, and 30 great-great grandchildren
Delbert is preceded in death by:
Wife: Mildred Burgess Petersen
Parents: Arthur Mouritz Petersen and Mary Eliza Seamons Petersen
Brothers and Sisters: Vonda Petersen
Hattie Petersen
Wilma Petersen McQuarrie
Sarah Petersen Mauchley
Frank Petersen
Grandson: Steven Delbert Bair
Delbert will be greatly missed; however, we are thrilled to think of the great reunion that is taking place as he reunites with his sweetheart, grandson, parents, brothers and sisters, and many other friends and family.
The family wishes to express their love and appreciation for the numerous acts of kindness received. We have received numerous and wonderful gifts of service, flowers, cards, prayers, and condolences.
At the conclusion of these services, there will be an additional service at the Allen-Hall Mortuary in Logan, Utah, July 18th at 11am. Delbert’s interment will be at the Hyde Park Cemetery in Hyde Park, Utah, where he will be laid to rest next to his sweetheart, Mildred.
Moroni 7:44-48
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