"Pete the Trapper" 96

Pete Petersen, 96, passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at the Bear Lake Skilled Nursing Home in Montpelier, Idaho.

Pete was born on May 15, 1920 to John and Annie Petersen, in Stump Creek, Idaho. He grew up in Stump Creek with his siblings Leo, Anna May, Grace, and Melvin. Later he moved to Thayne, Wyoming where he worked on the family farm.

Pete married Eva Edwards on July 10, 1941. Together they had five children Bob, Marie, Linda, Gary and, Arlene. They later divorced on May 23, 1956.

Pete later met Leola Lee and they were married on July 18, 1957. Leola had two children from a previous marriage, Lois and Mike Tolman, which Pete took on as his own. Together Pete and Leola had five children Bonnie, Lori, Ryan, Mona and, Shawn.

Pete enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved anything outdoors. He loved riding horses, fishing, hunting, trapping, spending time in the mountains, and loved having family around. Pete worked as a Government Trapper for the Idaho Wool Growers Association and Department of Agriculture. Through his work he viewed the world from horseback which was his greatest passion. After 38 years of service he retired on October 1, 1983. Pete never really retired from the work that he loved so much. After he retired he continued to work, he fed the elk and deer in the winter, and built stack yards in the summer for the Fish and Game. While doing all this he still took the time to enjoy one of his favorite hobbies, trapping.

Pete touched many lives and was loved by many. His stories of his younger years were always a treat to listen to. He loved music, played the guitar and harmonica. He loved art and loved to draw and paint. Pete loved everyone he met. And everyone that met Pete loved him. He was an outstanding man. A true cowboy.

Pete is survived by his loving wife Leola, children Marie (Dusty) Moore, Linda (Lloyd) Rasmussen, Melva Jean Petersen, Gary (Darlene) Petersen, Arlene (Tom) Bailey, Lois Carlton and Mike Workman, Mike (Ursula) Tolman, Bonnie DelRio, Lori (Don) Hansen, Ryan Petersen, Mona (Rick) Christensen, Shawn (Kelly) Petersen, 36 grandchildren, 70 great grandchildren, and 8 great -great grandchildren.

Pete was proceeded in death by his parents John and Annie Petersen, brothers Leo Petersen and Melvin Petersen, sisters Anna May and Grace Laker. Son Bob Petersen, grandson Clay Petersen, great grandchildren Sierra Tarbet and Dustin Moore and four great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Monday, December 12, 2016, beginning at 1:00 pm, at the LDS 4th Ward Chapel in Montpelier, Idaho. Prior to the services will be a viewing, from 11:00 am to 12:45 pm, at the LDS 4th Ward Church. Interment will be in the Montpelier City Cemetery, following the services.