Willis Chase Peterson

Tremonton - On Wednesday, March 8 , 2006 at the age of 83, our beloved Dad, Grandpa Pete, Uncle and Brother Chase Peterson passed away at home of pancreatic cancer. His five children were at his side. He endured to the end with valor and patience. It could be said by all who knew him, that Chase was a wonderfully unique and unforgettable character. He worked hard and was ambitious, but could play with the best of them. He had a rare and wonderful sense of humor, always the life of the party, but he balanced that with a serious, responsible side. He was tough and gruff, but could be moved to tears in an instant. A more tender heart could not be found. Generosity was his middle name. He was born in Logan, Utah, to Ephriam J. and Emma B. Chatterton Peterson on July 12, 1922, the sixth of nine children. Raised in humble circumstances he learned the importance of hard work early in life. He did everything from handing out movie bills as a youngster, to soda jerking at Winget?s Ice Cream Parlor as a teenager. He attended Logan City schools where he was a popular and outgoing young man, good at track and spelling. He applied for a job at Dick?s Café in Logan just so he could get to know a cute little blond waitress, Wanda Hyde. She fell under the charms of this handsome young fellow and they were married on November 12, 1940 in Brigham City. They were later sealed in the Logan Temple. They were married just short of 63 years. His family was so touched and appreciative of the loving care he gave her during her long illness before she passed away in October of 2003. He was married briefly to Carol F. Taylor in 2005. Chase served proudly with the Sixth Marine Division, 22nd Regiment, Able Company during WWII. He was wounded in action on Okinawa for which he received the Purple Heart. The friendships he formed while in the service remained dear to his heart. He always expressed his gratitude that he was able to return home to his wife and two small children at the end of the war, a privilege that some of his buddies never had. Chase and Wanda were successful business partners throughout their marriage. It started in 1948 when they leased a small café in Tremonton. They later built the Spudnut Shop which was a popular drive-in through the 50?s. When they added inside dining, it became Chase?s Café. They also managed the Garland and Snowville Cafés and the Miller Truck Stop Diner. They managed the Nu-Vu Theater in the 60?s. Chase?s Cottage in Logan was their biggest undertaking but also one of their most rewarding. They retired in 1981 and to this day people mention how much they miss the wonderful food he served. Dad served on the Box Elder County Fair Board and has been a past member of the Sheriff?s Posse. He served on the committee for the Veteran?s Memorial in Tremonton. He loved the Bear River Valley and contributed whenever possible to support it and its people. In the late 90?s Chase and Wanda developed their farm property on Rocket Road into residential lots. He was proud of what they accomplished in their ?golden? years. Chase had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren and great grandchildren. They can all tell stories about fishing trips, vacations, Grandpa?s hamburgers, corny jokes, rides on his scooter, Vicks rubdowns and early morning trips to the diner for hot chocolate, mints hidden in pockets and coins to spend on treats. With Wanda by his side they spent many Christmas seasons visiting nursing homes, schools and shut-ins playing Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. He loved the deer hunting season where the whole family participated. He loved working in his yard and wasn?t happy until the whole yard was ablaze in flowers. He was a Jazz fan, although there was often more grumbling than cheering. He loved country music and rodeos. He loved to travel with his wife and family. He loved people and was happiest when he was visiting. His family teased him that no matter where he went he?d run into someone he knew. He set a good example to his family of generosity to others. Everyone in the family has been a recipient of that, whether it was the loan of a car, a few bucks, or a carwash in his driveway. You couldn?t leave his home without his offering a dozen eggs, a package of frozen pork chops or a bottle of home-canned fruit. Through the years, many folks have been on the receiving end of a pot of homemade soup or a cream pie. He was touched by the kind words from friends and family during his unexpected illness and would want us to thank all who were so concerned and kind. He was always appreciative of what others did for him. He loved his kids and was often heard to say he didn?t know what he?d do without them. Ditto, Dad. Chase is dearly loved and will be profoundly missed by his five children and their spouses, Brenda Chris Sorensen, Steven Cindy Peterson, Gloria Michael Thompson, Candice Michael Bird, and Debra Bryan Loveland. He is survived also by 14 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and several special step-grandchildren who will miss their Grandpa Pete. His sister Bonnie J. Poorman and brothers, Clifford H. Peterson, M. Ray Peterson and Dean E. Peterson also survive him. He was preceded in death by his sweetheart, Wanda, his parents and four older brothers, Herman, Dennis, Glen and Woodrow and Carlos Frank, Son-in-law. The family wishes to express appreciation to Intermountain Hospice for the hours of loving care?.Carol, Sean, Mavis, Camille, and Denise?thank you. Thanks also to Dr. Lynn Beard for his years of service. ?To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die??Go gently now Dad, kiss Mom for us and we will see you again some wonderful day. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 14, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the Tremonton South Stake Center, 1150 South Tremont Street, Tremonton with Bishop Brian Mickelson officiating. Family and friends may call Monday, March 13 from 5:00-9:00 p.m. at Rogers and Taylor Funeral Home, 111 North 100 East, Tremonton and Tuesday from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment at Tremonton Riverview Cemetery.