Max Poulsen Peterson passed away June 25, 2018 at his home in College Ward, Utah after a valiant fight with an aggressive form of cancer. Max was born March 24, 1938 at the family home in Montpelier, Idaho, the son of Raymond Parley and Zora Poulsen Peterson. 

Max had a carefree, fun-filled and mischief-laden childhood with his four brothers and sister and numerous friends. He enjoyed a variety of sports in high school and treasured the lessons his dad taught him and his brothers on the family farm. His love for the rural way of life and the people connected to it were a lifelong passion.

While in high school, Max met his future wife, Karen Wallentine. These high school sweethearts were married Dec. 20, 1957, in the Logan Temple. To this happy, loving union came three children, Brad, David and Becky. 

Max attended Utah State University and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. His career first led him to Pipe Springs National Monument and later to Twin Falls and Montpelier and to Utah State University. After a 30-year-long career at USU Libraries, with awards, and a variety of responsibilities and challenges, he retired as director in 2000.

Over the years, Max and Karen enjoyed traveling together. They also served LDS missions in Alaska, China, Nauvoo, St. George and Palmyra. Max served as bishop, first counselor, and as a high councilman in four different stakes. He also loved teaching the priest quorum. 

Most important to Max was his family. He loved his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. He spent quality time with them all, always there for them with a helping hand, a joking text, and a supporting heart full of love. His family will miss him dearly. 

Max leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Karen, who loved him deeply, his children, Brad and Lori of College Ward, David and Andrea of Bountiful, and Becky and Steve Andrews of Bountiful, and seven grandchildren, Alisha (Daniel), Camie (Matt), Natalie (Chris), Kendall, Austin, Colton and Alexis (Alec) and eight great-grandchildren. His brothers Karl (Karen), Ross (Kay), Reed (Ralonna) and Brent (Noralyn). 

Max recently lost two dear members of his family, Daniel Calderwood and Virtue Wallentine. His mother, father and sister Donna Lee preceded him in death. 

Offer your condolences to the family at the Allen Hall Mortuary, Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. or an hour before the service on Friday. The funeral will be June 29 at 11 a.m. at the LDS Chapel at 2394 West 2200 South in College Ward. 

The family would like to thank Access and Dr. Benjamin Maughan and the nurses and staff at the Huntsman Cancer Institute for loving, wonderful care.