Drew Matthew Petersen Jr.
November 15, 1943 - July 24, 2025
Drew Matthew Petersen Jr. has embarked on his final journey, with his passport stamped for heaven. On July 24, 2025, he peacefully departed while surrounded by his family. Born on November 15, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Drew and Ruth Ellen Petersen. Drew’s early years were spent in Ogden, Utah, where he attended St. Joseph’s elementary and high school. He partied at Santa Clara University and graduated from the University of Utah.
In 1966, his military service led him to Madigan General Hospital in Tacoma, Washington, where he earned his Licensed Practical Nurse degree, and later taught classes. From 1967-1968, Drew bravely served in Vietnam with the 36th Medical Evacuation Unit, earning an honourable discharge in 1969.
Drew dedicated his career to advocating for individuals with disabilities, serving as the Director of Columbus Community Center. He revolutionized how persons with disabilities are perceived and treated in the community, championing for their dignity and respect. He was a strong voice in the legislature for change and equality. Drew’s commitment to community service continued at St. Joseph’s Villa and Catholic Community Services.
Ordained as a deacon on January 23, 2010, Drew assisted with school Masses at The Madeleine Choir School and led the Diocesan Diaconate program for a decade. As an Extraordinary Minister, he devoted over 40 years to taking Holy Communion to the homebound. His active participation, including parish council, at the Cathedral of the Madeleine was a testament to his faith.
Daddy coached basketball, enthusiastically cheered at swim meets, enjoyed grilling in the canyons, modeled proper vacuuming techniques for his children, and cared for his manicured lawn and roses while wearing his daisy duke style shorts. He chaperoned each daughter to their choice of university to ensure they achieved a college education. Daddy cherished traveling the world with Mommy, making lasting memories and new friends.
Drew is survived by his wife, Sandra Ann Petersen and six daughters, Lisa (Styn) Jamu, Heather (Nate) Leavitt, Heidi Petersen, Mikaele (Daniel) Sansone, Megan (Mitsuo) Bryant, Brigitta (Drew) Erickson and nine grandchildren, Ian, Isabella, Alexander, Abigail, Quinn, Tomeki, Takeo, Cooper, and Lincoln. He is also survived by his siblings, Don (Andy), Dale (Dottie), and Natasha (Joe) Brunson, sister-in-law, Kate Petersen, and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Drew M. Petersen, Sr. and Ruth Ellen Moore Petersen and his brother, Dean.
A special thanks to Frankie, Rachel, Levy, and all the caregivers who showed compassion and love for Drew.
Affectionately known as Deacon Daddy, Drew’s greatest accomplishment and legacy is his Girlstown Team and his 59 years of marriage to Sandy.
Family and friends are invited to the Vigil Service at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 7:00 pm followed by a viewing. The funeral Mass will be celebrated on August 1, 2025, at 2:00 pm at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, followed by the committal at Mount Calvary Cemetery, located at 4th Avenue and U Street. If you are unable to attend in person, please join us virtually by clicking here.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Good Samaritan Program or Mass intentions for Deacon Drew Petersen can be requested at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, by emailing dallred@utcotm.org.
In Loving Memory
Blessings and consolations to you all. Deacon Drew was a faithful, kind servant of the Lord. It was a privilege to know him. May he rest in peace.
My deepest sympathies to the Petersen family! I remember him from the Cathedral he was such a sweet man. Heidi and Megan you are as sweet as your dad. My thoughts and 🙏🏻 are with you all. Sincerely, Marsha Warfield-Price
Your father was a very kind man who loved his children dearly! He often asked my prayers for them- particularly Brigitta during covid, with her health that worried him so much, the birth of Cooper and yet he spoke of all of his daughters and how proud he was of them. Deacon Drew will always be in my prayers!
My condolences to Sandy and her and Drew's beautiful family. I cherish the memories of all the good times we had when I lived in Salt Lake City and of the excellence in academics and athletics the young Petersen women brought to Judge Memorial. Blessings of peace to you. Renee Genereux
“Petersen Family, My heart hurts for you. I will forever be grateful to know you all. The definition of family is not who you are born to. I thank you for making me a part of yours. For a woman with no father, Mr. Petersen will always be my ideal of what a father should be. His children are the best example of love and humanity. Thank you for sharing him. Love you all.”
Dear Sandy and family, You have my deepest symphony, You and the girls had a wonderful time with a great guy. Our Lord will give each of you the strength to carry on and bring you peace. Love Jane
I just heard of Drew's passing. I send my deepest condolences to his family. I was a fellow student at St. Joseph's Grade/High schools. I have fond memories of Drew, his sister Tasha, his mom and dad. It was wonderful to read of all his accomplishments and that he was such a good man.Rest in peace Drew.
In Loving Memory
