Melvin Claude Petersen, Sr.

Together Forever

Melvin C. Petersen passed away Friday, September 2, 2011 in Bountiful, Utah, at the age of 91, of congestive heart failure. He was born May 31, 1920, in Butte, Montana, to Myrtle Webster and Clarence Hailstone Petersen.

After graduating from Butte High School, he married his sweetheart, Helenmar Christensen, March 23, 1941. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple two weeks later. After 67 years of marriage, Helenmar preceded him in death in 2008.

Mel and Helenmar lived in Butte, raising two children, Melvin and Janet, and running their family businesses until they moved to Salt Lake City in 1980.
Mel and Helenmar bought The Copy Stop, near Foothill Village and ran that business for 13 years until retirement at age 73.

Mel was always a hard worker. He was known as an honest businessman; and kind and humble man. He loved his family and his customers. He had a genuine love of people; he loved chatting with them, listening to and watching them. It wasn’t surprising when he went back to work part time at age 75.

He loved America, the flag, and held in highest regard those who served our country. He loved serving the Lord and he served in all of the church organizations. He served as a bishop and in two stake presidencies in Butte. He and Helenmar served two missions as hosts in the Joseph Smith Building. He felt his final test in this life was to endure to the end well without his beloved Helenmar. We are celebrating his joyous reunion with her.

He is survived by his daughter, Janet; daughter-in-law, Sandra James (Don); three grandsons, one granddaughter and nine great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helenmar; son, Melvin; brother, Robert; and sister Beth.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, September 7, 2011, at 12:00 P.M. at Murray City Cemetery. There will be no viewing. Interment at the Murray City Cemetery.