NEWTON, UTAH: Claude Blanchard Petersen, 84, passed away, his family by his side, on July 26, 2007 at his home following a brief illness.

Claude was born on August 12, 1922 in Newton, Utah. He was the son of Parley Andrew and Ella Blanchard Petersen. He graduated from North Cache High School where he was active in sports. He also attended the Utah Agricultural College.

Claude served his country honorably as a Torpedo Bomber Pilot in the U.S. Naval Air Corp during World War II. While stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas, he met the love of his life, Yvonne Garrett, whom he married on August 2, 1944. Their marriage was solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple on November 28, 1944.

After returning from the war, Claude and Vone made their home in Newton on the family dairy farm. Claude was a respected dairyman and farmer, receiving recognition on the state and national level as a steward of the land. He also spent 27 years as a fireman for Thiokol.

Claude devoted his life to serving his family, Church, and community. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. By his example, he taught his children the value of work and service to others. Claude was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where he served faithfully in many ward and stake capacities. He will long be remembered for the influence he had on the youth of the Church. He cherished the sixteen years spent serving as an officiator in the Logan LDS Temple.

Claude is survived by five sons and one daughter; Dennis (Francene Pitcher), Bruce (Nancy Lee Hansen), Craig (Susan Wright), Ronald (Susan Raat), Mathew, Claudia (Kevin) McBride, 27 grandchildren, 38 great­grandchildren, 1 brother and 3 sisters; Elwin (Jan), Margery (Clair) Cantwell, Carma (Farrell) Hillyard, Dorothy (Howard) Otteson, sister-in-law Glenna Petersen, brother-in-law Richard Magness.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brothers; Dennis, Thomas, Leon, and sister, Betty Jean Magness, and two great-grandsons, Skylar and Forestt Petersen.

Funeral services will be held at noon, Monday, July 30th in the Newton Ward Chapel. A viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m., Sunday, July 29th at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center Street, Logan, and on Monday from 10 to 11 :30 a.m. at the church.

Interment will be at the Newton Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at Allen Mortuaries.