Dennis Edwin Peters

Dennis Edwin Peters was born in Glendale California on June 28,1949 to William Howard Peters and Hazel Butler Peters. He loved his California roots, where he spent his childhood playing in the dirt, building forts and tunnels, participating in sports and enjoying the sunny outdoors.The city of Glendale shaped Dennis. It was where his father served as mayor when Dennis was a boy and propelled him into a love of service and patriotism. Dennis’ family were members of the tight, close knit Glendale West Ward. Their church community created many happy memories, life long friendships and is where Dennis met the love of his life, Kathryn Stout Peters. 

Dennis attended Hoover High, where he played baseball and basketball and graduated in 1967. As a teen he loved going to Dodgers games, even sneaking in with friends in the second or third inning if he didn’t have a ticket. If he had to be sitting in school, instead of the outfield, he would hide a radio in his textbook with the pages cut out, so he could listen to the game in class. He spent his summers as a teen working as a camp counselor on Catalina Island and having fun with friends. He was always a social guy and loved any sort of gathering or party - the more the merrier. 

From 1968-1970, Dennis served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northern Mexico mission under the direction of Robert E. and Helen Wells, who became like second parents to him and their relationship endured throughout Dennis’ life. Leading up to his mission Dennis worked up the courage to ask his dad when he would be baptized, and to his great joy, he got to baptize his dad before heading off on his mission. As with everything, he put his all into his service, fell in love with the people of Mexico and in many ways never stopped being a missionary. 

Soon after returning from his mission, ‘Denny’ had a pool party in his family’s backyard where he asked ‘Kathy’ what she was doing Friday night right as she was about to jump off the diving board. That weekend, they went to the Hollywood wax museum and the rest is history. Dennis and Kathryn were sealed in the Los Angeles temple on June 9th, 1972.

Dennis graduated from Brigham Young University earning a bachelors and masters degree in business. There began a lifelong love for BYU sports. He was the definition of loyal, strong and true, and taught his kids to never leave a game ‘til the clock ran out’, no matter the weather or score.

Amid earning degrees and establishing business, Dennis and Kathryn started a family and had 6 children. Travis, Tiffany, Tara, Tristen, Treavor and Telisa were his joys. He put his heart and soul into fatherhood, teaching his children to work hard and play hard. He was an example of  unconditional love. He shared knowledge, resources and testimony freely. 

Dennis and Kathryn raised their children in Taylorsville and Sandy, Utah, with the exception of three years in Mexico. He and Kathryn served as mission leaders in the Mexico City South mission from 1988-1991. This was a highlight of their family’s lives. He further developed his passion for spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and forged close, enduring relationships with missionaries whom he loved dearly. 

Returning from Mexico, Dennis restarted his career as a third generation home builder. He worked in every facet of the industry and built beautiful homes. He was successful, not only because he had a keen business mind but even more so, he was honest and genuine; considering others’ needs as his highest priority. His main desire throughout his life and his career was to assist people in attaining their goals. He used the strengths of others in providing jobs while building places of refuge with his generous heart. 

Dennis was happiest when he was serving. He loved the people he met through his service in the church. He was a singles ward bishop, and with Kathryn, served an inner city mission, was a counselor in the Salt Lake South mission and was the church hosting assistant director. Through each calling, strangers became friends and friends became family.

Dennis’ favorite scripture was Omni 1:26 “.... come unto him and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him…” Dennis truly offered his whole soul. 

Dennis was happiness personified. He was always present and living in the moment. He never wanted to be somewhere else or with anyone else. He connected instantly with all individuals in every setting. He was ‘no respecter of persons.’ He was a ray of light and his laugh filled the room. If you were with Dennis you felt love all around. 

Dennis wore many hats literally and figuratively. His favorite titles being Grandpa and “Grandpa the Great.” He loved spending time with his big grandkid crew, whether it was swimming, traveling, puzzling, boating on Lake Powell, golfing, playing card games or showing up to support them in all their endeavors. One of his favorite traditions was dressing up as a historical American figure on the fourth of July and passing on his appreciation for our founding fathers to his family. 

Dennis had a myriad of passions, but it was clear that they were all a distant second to his eternal companion, Kathryn. She was his most important priority and he put her first daily. Theirs was a story of true love. 

Dennis is survived by his wife, Kathryn Stout Peters, his children, Travis and Kimberlee Stott Peters, Tiffany and Chad Beus, Tara and Stephen Sansom, Tristen and Adam Van Leeuwen, Treavor and Sara Bell Peters, Telisa and Clay Van Leeuwen, 27 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren with the 6th on the way, siblings, Lee Peters and Susan Scollick.

Funeral services will be held on Friday January 26th at 11:00 am at the chapel on 2350 E Creek Road, Sandy Utah. 

Viewings will be held (note the different addresses)

- Thursday January 25th at 6:00 pm 2115 E Creek Road 

- Friday January 26th at 9:00 am 2350 E Creek Road, Sandy Utah

Dennis was happiest with flowers on his shirts, so in lieu of flowers please consider donating to your favorite charity and pay kindness forward, like Dennis would do!