Elwin "Brooks" Petersen's Obituary
Brooks Petersen slipped away peacefully on March 31, 2025, returning home to his eternal companion Susan Diane Kerr. Life for Brooks and Susan was an adventure of work, play, raising two beautiful and rambunctious boys, traveling side by side in an RV, Harley, Jeep, or Corvette, and experiencing the beauty of the earth. They are now reunited to be guardian angels to Jon, Chris, grandchildren, a great-grandson, other family members, and friends. Raindrops falling on our heads are a reminder of the joy of their reunion and our angels missing us so.
Elwin “Brooks” Petersen was born in Logan, Utah on July 10, 1946 to Elwin Andrew and Agnes Wynona Petersen. He was the second oldest with two brothers and three sisters. He graduated from Clearfield High School. He joined the Navy at the time of the Vietnam War and served in Hawaii. He attended Utah State University and Weber State College. He met his wife Susan in a shorthand writing class.
He married Susan Diane Kerr on May 14, 1976. They were sealed in the Logan Temple on September 29, 1998. They were blessed with two sons, Jonathan Ross Petersen and Christopher Brooks Petersen. The family spent many memorable years at their cabin in Alpine, enjoying both summer and winter sporting activities. Life at the cabin reflected love, adventure, laughter, crafting hobbies, and talents. Brooks’ eyes would light up whenever he spoke of his wife Susan and the cherished memories they shared. After Susan passed, he would comment on how he missed her baking, decorating and making their house a home. Brooks always wanted what was best for his boys and grandchildren. He retired from Hill Air Force Base in 1993 where he made and kept lifelong friends who were practical jokers.
At the young age of twenty-one, Brooks’ life was forever changed during a hunting accident. A stray bullet hit his spine causing him to lose the use of his legs. He would never walk again yet he was determined to walk his path in life and he did. He was the first paraplegic to walk on crutches. He did everything he set his mind to. He did not miss out on anything he wanted to experience in his life. He was a master at making the most of every moment. All summer he fished and all winter he snowmobiled. The best… flying off his snowmobile into the snow. He would laugh, get up, crawl back onto the seat and ride. He taught us all to ride a snowmobile like he did.
He continued to drive, converting his corvettes, jeeps, RV, and Harley into hand controls so he could operate them with his hands. With the wind blowing in his hair and mustache, he drove his way through life like a boss. He never complained about not having the use of his legs. Instead, he made life happen, allowing his family to experience and enjoy all it had to offer.
Visiting the home of the Petersen’s, you would walk up the driveway to see the garage door open with Brooks underneath a classic car. He had a knack for understanding how to build cars. His niche was Corvettes. When a new, classic project would appear, he would say to Susan, “It followed me home. Can I keep it?”
Hobbies included but were not limited to fishing, deer camp, taking his two grand-pups for coffee every morning as they watched a movie (action being the favorite), or listening to music. Brooks had the best taste in music and would share his love for classic rock, even converting his sister-in-law Jolene to Jim Croce. Friday dinners were a must and never disappointed. Brooks made sure anywhere he was in attendance that everyone was included and having a good time. He was a conversationalist of the most interesting facts along with jokes and laughter. He was the best storyteller ever. He adored his wife, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, and friends. He had an infectious spirit for adventure and made those around him feel truly alive. He was a light to all.
Brooks is survived by his two sons; grandchildren DaeJhin, Avivyona, Myalyse, Lillyanah, Alakai, Kyryella, Krysslynn, Kyro’ren, and Krysshala; and great-grandson Prince. He is also survived by siblings Sandra Ingals, Gary (Linda) Petersen, Karen (Mike) Kearsley, and Becky (John) Schwinn; stepmother Janette Petersen; stepsiblings Jane, Janice, and Joseph; in-laws Debbie Petersen, Greg Kerr, Gary (Vonette) Kerr, Janet Cazier, and Steven (Cheng-hua) Kerr; and many nieces and nephews who adore and love him.
He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, Aunt Yvonne (his mother’s sister), and Uncle Claude (his father’s brother); his father- and mother-in-law Keith and Louise Kerr; brother, Tommy Petersen; brothers-in-law Bob Ingals and Arthur Malan, Jr.; sister-in-law Jolene Malan; nephews Cody Cazier and Richard Malan; and niece Carmen McKinney.
A big thanks to the home health team, especially Diana, Maria, and Heather, for taking wonderful care of Brooks. Also, a thank you to the hospice team for making him comfortable in his last days.
Services will be held Monday, April 7, 2025 at the Uintah 2nd Ward Chapel, 6660 S. 1775 E., Uintah, Utah. A viewing will be held from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.with the funeral following at 11:30 a.m.
Burial with honor guard will take place at The Uintah City Cemetery.
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What’s your fondest memory of Elwin?
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