Paul Peterson

Paul Terry Peterson was born on February 22, 1953, to Terry Albert Peterson and Letha Burns in Idaho Falls, ID. He passed away, surrounded by his wife and children, on December 5, 2024, in Idaho Falls.

Paul lived in Rigby nearly his entire life. His schoolmates described him as a gentle giant — quiet, intelligent, kind, handsome, with still waters running deep. Paul was an Eagle Scout. He always had a love for hot rods, sports, and family. He enjoyed time at the cabin, hunting, fishing, and camping with his dad and little brother. He graduated from Rigby High School in 1971, serving as the Senior Class President.

Following high school, Paul attended Ricks College, where he received his associate’s degree. He chose to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He labored in the Düsseldorf Germany Mission, where he became fluent in German. This mission was challenging, as people would often try to knock him off his bike, but Paul persevered, knowing the Church was true. He sent frequent letters home to his family in Idaho. He had deep admiration and respect for his parents and siblings. In one letter, he asked his dad to “keep the Yankees clippings coming!”

After his mission, Paul met and married the love of his life, Tamara Joan Frost, in the Mesa Arizona Temple on May 30, 1980. Together, they had four beautiful children. Paul was made to be a dad, and he lived for that calling. His children will always remember him for the music he sang, the warmth he gave, and his witty sense of humor.

Paul furthered his education at Brigham Young University in Provo, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in German. He was a student teacher at Provo High School.

Paul learned the trade of carpentry from his father and worked alongside him and his brother Lane for many years. They were known for their beautiful craftsmanship — gorgeous railings, archways, mantles, and custom pieces. He was proud of his work and would often take his kids to see the cabins he built in Island Park. Coming home every day, he always carried the sweet smell of sawdust.

Paul served in the Church throughout his life, though often his biggest contribution was to the ward softball or basketball team. One year, he took the team to regionals as their lead pitcher, finishing one game shy of the Church-wide championship. Paul also served in various callings, including Elder’s Quorum President, Ward Executive Secretary, Gospel Doctrine Teacher, High Priest Group Teacher, Ward Clerk for the Singles Ward, Finance Clerk, Home Teacher, and Membership Clerk. His most recent calling, which he shared with his wife, was as Primary teacher, a role he cherished for the opportunity to work with the children.

Paul Terry Peterson leaves a legacy of love for his kids, grandkids, and wife. He and Tami enjoyed 44 years of marriage together. There was, and is, no greater Papa than he. He spent his days in service to each of them. When he loved, he loved deeply. Each time his grandkids came and went, he always left them with a gift — whether it was a cookie from his infamous cookie drawer, money from his pocket, or a cold drink for the road. At the end of every phone call, he’d say, “Give your kids a hug and a kiss for me.”

Paul is survived by his wife, Tami, of Rigby; his children, Rachael (Davis) Snow of Queen Creek, AZ, Amanda (Parker) Nelson of Provo, UT, Logan (Michelle) Peterson of Idaho Falls, and Emily (JJ) LeMoine of Provo, UT; his four siblings, Bonnie Olson of Rigby, Vicki Helsing of Rigby, Lane Peterson of Lewisville, and Nikki Virgin of Sugar City; and his nine grandchildren, Leighton Bolynn, Finley Skylar, Stevie Liv, Roman Parker, Ari Jo, Jai Terry, Jordy Logan, Riley Kristen, and Isla Mae. He was preceded in death by his parents, Terry and Letha Peterson, and his beloved granddaughter, sweet Emma Lu.

Families are forever.

Visitation will be held Friday, December 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Eckersell Funeral Home, and Saturday, December 21, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the Rigby Stake Center. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 21, at 11:00 a.m. at the Rigby Stake Center.