Oscar Carl Peterson Jr. 80 years old, passed away on June 14, 2026 in his home surrounded by those who loved and cherished him.

Carl was born June 18, 1945 to Oscar Carl and Grace Ivie Peterson in Delta, Utah. Carl was the youngest of seven children. His mother passed away when he was two years old. Because of this, Carl’s sisters helped raise him. They lived in a tiny house with an outside toilet. The house had no hot water. They heated water on the stove that doubled as their heating for the house.

In his youth, Carl would often tell one sister he was going to stay with the other sister, but instead, he would hop on the train that passed through Delta and ride it to California. He never stayed long, because he never had money. Carl’s father passed away when he was 17 years old. Soon after his high school graduation, he knew he was going to be drafted to Vietnam, so he signed up instead, so he could have more choice.

Soon after enlisting, Carl went on to serve with Battery C 2nd Battalion 32nd Artillery unit in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. Specialist Peterson was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with "V" device for his acts of heroism on February 23, 1969, in the Republic of Vietnam. His life was spared at the airport prior to leaving Vietnam when his luggage served as a shield, stopping a sniper's bullet. He was Honorably Discharged from the Army December 1, 1973. Then, in June of 1976, Carl enlisted and served as a Sergeant with Detachment 1 Battery C, 2nd Battalion Artillery in the Utah National Guard. He was honorably discharged in June 1977. In a letter from Major General Leo B. Jones, he says "Specialist Four Peterson's heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army." In 2017, Carl was able to go on a memorable trip to Washington, D.C., with Alisha, and other veterans to visit the Memorial Site. Carl was sure proud to be a veteran. He loved wearing his Vietnam cap and especially loved it when someone thanked him for his service.

Carl married Sheila Brunson on January 24, 1970 in Fillmore, Utah. He attended Trade Tech and earned an Automotive Technician Certificate. He worked at Dearden Motors. Carl and Sheils’s marriage blessed him with three daughters, Alisha, Geri Ann, and Shaunna. Sheila passed away July 25, 1992. Carl later married Julia Dashwood Gregory on December 2, 1995 in Fillmore, Utah and gained four more children: Ben, Ryan, Meagan, and Katie. Carl was honored to adopt Ryan and Katie when they asked. He was happy to have a son to carry on the Peterson name. Later, “Number 8,” as Carl called Dee, came into their lives. As did many others who he took under his wing as his own.

Carl was a great example of how loving and raising another man’s kids should be. There are many who remember Carl as being a great influence for good in their lives. Carl and Julia also became Legal Guardians of Kassidee and Avery and could not have loved them more had they been biologically related to them.

Carl was a good, hardworking man who deeply loved his family, Pepsi and dogs. There were moments we doubted whether anything rivaled his devotion to Pepsi and his dog! :) He was a quiet man who used his words sparingly, but he never failed to let those around him know that he loved them.

After he retired, Carl found great joy in taking care of his cows and working the land with his tractor. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and making his famous dutch oven potatoes when everyone came home to visit.

Carl is survived by his wife, Julia, children: Alisha (Gary) Gabler, Geri Ann Hart, Shaunna (Cory) Dimitt, Ben Gregory, Ryan Peterson (Lisle, deceased), Meagan (Justin) Gonsalves, Katie (Alex) Echavarria, his niece Mattie Sperry, 33 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar Carl and Grace Ivie Peterson, first wife, Sheila, his siblings: Donald, Gladyse, Nelda, Oneta, Edith, Hilda, daughter in law, Lisle, “Number 8” and grandchildren: Nix, Riverley, and Wrenley Echavarria.

A viewing will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at Olpin Stevens Funeral Home, Fillmore, UT. A graveside will follow the viewing at 11:30 AM in Fillmore City Cemetery.