Edward J Peterson

PLEASE NOTE: This obituary is placed on the Hullinger Mortuary website as a courtesy to the family.  The Hullinger Mortuary is not handling any portion of these services.  

Edward J Peterson passed away at home after a hard fight with cancer on April 8th, 2025, in Vernal, Utah.

He was born on May 18, 1946, to Henry Edward (Ned) Peterson and Ora Joy Livingston, in Standardville, a mining town near Helper, Utah. Ed grew up in Fountain Green, Utah where he attended local schools and was Student Body President in 9th grade at North Sanpete Jr. High.

Ed graduated from North Sanpete High School in 1964, where he was active in football and basketball but was most known for his running ability. He was nicknamed “Runner” by his coach. He ran the 100-yard dash and won several regional and state titles. He held the record for running the 100 yard dash at his high school for 17 years till it was broken by another runner “who we don’t talk about”. He was also President of the Hawks Club.

Ed married his high school sweetheart, Lyne Bird on September 16th, 1966. Their marriage was solemnized in the Provo Temple, October 15, 1977. He and Lyne met while attending Jr High in Moroni during their 8th grade year. After high school, they attended Snow College and Utah State University, graduating in 1969. He graduated with a degree in History and Political Science.

He was drafted during the Vietnam War, serving in Panama from 1969-1971. During his time in Panama, Ed was assigned to the 3rd Battalion 5th infantry. He achieved the rank of Sgt. During his time, his training took place in the jungles of Panama where he became well acquainted with the flora and fauna such as “wandering spiders, leeches, and swamps.” He often told stories about post patrol leech checks and waking up with a tent full of spiders, not to mention the local cuisine consisting of iguana kebabs sold by children in town.

After his Army service, Ed returned to Utah State University where he earned a degree in Special Education. His first teaching job was with Duchesne County School District where he helped write their first Special Education program. He showed excellent patience when dealing with those with intellectual and physical disabilities. He taught in Roosevelt at Roosevelt Elementary and East Elementary from 1973-1978.

Ed, Lyne, and their three daughters moved to Payson during the summer of 1978 where he began working for Nebo School District. After teaching Special Education for several years, he became the Technical Assistant for Special Education. During this time, he was the coordinator for the preschool programs as well as overseeing the BYU Special-Ed Teaching programs every summer. He retired in 2006, having served 33 years in education.

Ed and Lyne returned to the Uintah Basin in 2022, settling in Vernal to be closer to family.

Ed is survived by his wife, Lyne of 58 years, and daughters Cortney (Robert) Hall of Vernal and Rachelle (Jeffrey) Hatfield of Auburn, California; Sister, Sandra Wilkey of Nephi; Grandchildren Brittany Oldham, Caleb Hall, Brayden Hatfield, Chelsie Hall, and McKade Hatfield along with 13 great-grandchildren, Clara, Easton, Hunter, Hattie, Charlotte, Kate, Wyatt, Liam, Ethan, Conrad, Violet, Evelyn, and Devin.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Janae (2015), grandson, Tate Peterson Hatfield (2019), sister Kay Rees, and his parents.

Ed was most well-known by his family for his sense of humor, his laugh, and his fondness for stories. It was often a great privilege as grandkids to spend the night at Grandpa Peterson’s, where the chocolate creamies were endless, and breakfast consisted of pounds of bacon and chocolate milk.

An insert from Ed’s journal, “Having raised three daughters and they being who they are and what they represent, has always made me super proud to be their father. I was then privileged to become a proud grandfather and great-grandfather!”

A viewing will be held from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Friday, April 18th at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah prior to the funeral service at 11:00 am. Interment with military honors will be at Evergreen Cemetery, Springville, 1997 South 400 East St, Springville, Utah.