Max Peterson
Redmond, Utah
Max Carlos Peterson of Redmond passed away on November 28, 2023 at the Gunnison Valley Hospital at the age of 93. Max was born on January 13, 1930 in McGill, White Pine, Nevada, to Nels Thomas and Hazel Della Carson Peterson. He was the fourth child in a family with seven children. The family moved to Redmond when he was just two years old, where he lived for the remainder of his life.
Growing up he hauled hay and grain, trimmed and topped sugar beets, rode horses and enjoyed family time. He attended Redmond Elementary and graduated from North Sevier High School. Following graduation, Max worked as a plumber and electrician for several years with his father and spent time as an employee of Valley Builders. He found long term employment at USG where he retired after 36 years of service with them.
He was often called to do electrical and plumbing work by community people which he did after working his daytime job. He always had an extra tender heart for the widows and widowers in town, as he was aware of their financial lack, so most of his work for them was done for free.
Max met Gladys May Olsen of Gunnison during his high school years and they were married on May 20, 1949 in the Manti Temple. Together they had six children: Carolyn, Carlos, Lorraine, Alan, Ann, and Mike. Although very limited in the beginning with alloted vacation time given through his employment, Max and Gladys created many memorable vacation moments together with their children and always supported their children in whatever they were involved in.
His wife, Gladys died on May 27, 1976, leaving him to raise the two youngest children who were still very young at that time. He took that responsibility seriously and was exemplary in being a singe parent for many years.
In 1986, Max met Claudette Winget Payne, who had also lost her husband many years before. They were married on November 8, 1986 in Salina. With that marriage, Claudette’s five grown children: Diana, Sherrie, Craig, Sandra and Kim, brought a combined total of 11 children. As a couple, they created memorable moments together and with their families for the next 37 years. They shared heartache as they each lost one of their children (Carolyn and Sandra) through health issues.
After retiring, Max spent time in the classroom at North Sevier High School assisting students with their academics. He took pride and enjoyed his time with his students. He would later drive the “Senior Bus” for many years for the senior community members in the area who needed rides to various places to take care of their needs.
Max especially loved riding horses and spending time in the mountains. He loved animals, except snakes, gophers and spiders.
Max served in various callings as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Being the Scout Master and ward clerk were two of those callings.
One of Max’s most enjoyable roles as a young family man in the community was being asked to ride his horse dressed as “Uncle Sam” in the Redmond 4th of July parade for multiple years. Another honor was when he and Claudette were chosen to be the Grand Marshals of the Redmond’s 2021 July 24th Pioneer parade. He was always very proud to be a Redmondite and loved this area with all of his heart.
He was loved by family and friends and will be missed greatly.
Survived by his wife, Claudette; children: Carlos (Bonnie) Peterson, Redmond; Lorraine Peterson, Redmond; Alan (Susie) Peterson, Salina; Ann (Barry) Baker, Menifee, CA; Mike Peterson, Las Vegas, NV; son-in-law, Preston Pickett; Claudette’s children: Diana (Mike) Brian, Sherrie (Bruce) McMullin, Craig (Keri) Payne, Kim (Suzanne) Payne; 61 grandchildren, 110 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.
Also preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Carolyn Pickett; step-daughter, Sandra Hansen; and all his siblings: Belva (Joseph) Knorr, Tommy Karol Peterson, Lola Dee (Wesley) Nielsen, Jack Wesley (LuAnn) Peterson, DeVonna (Evan) Roberts, Clemont (Ramona) Peterson.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 12:00 Noon in the Redmond Ward Chapel, where friends may call from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Redmond Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com
