David Christopher Peterson

Heaven gained a truly incredible man. David Christopher Peterson, of Bountiful, Utah, passed away on July 8, 2026, at the age of 54 after a courageous battle with a rare and rapidly degenerative illness called Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. He spent his final moments surrounded by his devoted wife and children whose love and admiration for him knew no bounds.

Dave built a life centered on what mattered most: his faith, his family, his work, and serving others. More than anything, he was a man of unwavering dedication. Whether he was caring for his family, comforting a patient, serving in his church, or cheering from the sidelines of a soccer field, Dave gave his whole heart.

Dave was born on November 2, 1971, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the son of James J Peterson and Margo Jenny Ackerlind. He was the third of five children and grew up in Cottonwood Heights where he developed a lifelong love of soccer, hiking, hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. He treasured his childhood with his siblings and the countless memories they created together, building relationships that remained a meaningful and lasting part of his life.

His remarkable work ethic began at just eight years old when he started a newspaper route. Through snow, rain, and early mornings, Dave faithfully delivered papers by bicycle at 5:00 a.m. That simple job shaped the character that would define the rest of his life: dedicated and disciplined.

Dave graduated from Cottonwood High School in 1990 where he played center fullback for the Colts soccer team. He loved recounting stories from those years and remained passionate about the sport throughout his life. As an adult, he coached several soccer teams for his sons and became a beloved mentor—not only to his own children but to many young athletes who benefited from his patience, encouragement, and example.

From 1991 to 1993, Dave served a mission in San Juan, Puerto Rico for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While there, he developed a deep love for the people, embraced the Spanish language, and strengthened his testimony of Jesus Christ which became the foundation of his life. From that time forward, he sought to follow the Savior's example through quiet acts of service, compassion, and steadfast faith. His dedication to Christ shaped every other aspect of his life. He continued to faithfully serve in many church responsibilities, always willing to give his time and talents wherever he was needed.

An avid skier, Dave found joy racing down Utah's mountains. It seems only fitting that while doing something he loved, he met the love of his life, Heidi Sonkens. Skiing remained one of their favorite pastimes, eventually becoming a favorite family tradition with their children.

Dave and Heidi were married for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on August 12, 1994. Together they built a beautiful family with five children and later two grandchildren whom he adored. Being a husband, father, and grandfather were the roles he treasured most. His grandchildren knew him lovingly as "Pops," and that role brought him great joy. He was playful, energetic, and completely captivated by them. His bright blue eyes lit up every time they were near.

He fiercely loved and protected his family, intentionally creating a lifetime of adventures together. Whether road-tripping to the beach, making memories at Lake Powell, or simply spending time together at home, Dave understood that life's greatest treasures were found in shared experiences. He also cherished his friendships, making time for yearly backpacking and fishing trips with those he loved.

Dedicated to lifelong learning, Dave earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Utah before attending The George Washington University School of Medicine, where he graduated in 2002. Dave completed his residency in anesthesiology at the University of Rochester in New York before returning home to Utah to care for patients at Lakeview Hospital and the Mountain West and Utah Facial Plastics surgery centers.

Dave was an exceptional anesthesiologist, admired not only for his skill and knowledge but also for his extraordinary compassion. Patients frequently remembered the time he took to calm their fears before surgery and the genuine care he showed every individual. He viewed medicine not simply as a profession but as another expression of his dedication to serving others.

Even after long, exhausting days at work, Dave always found time for the people he loved most. He coached soccer games, took them boating, and entertained his family with unforgettable stories filled with animated sound effects. He loved to watch movies (usually drifting off to sleep on the couch or even dinner table). He had a remarkable gift for making every person feel like they were the most important one in the room. He despised bullying in any form and was quick to defend the underdog. Whether offering encouragement or simply making sure everyone felt included, Dave quietly made the world a better place. His warmth, kindness and genuine interest in others left people feeling loved.

His family will carry forward the lesson he taught simply by the way he lived: to strive every day to be "Dedicated Like Dave”. His example and legacy will continue to influence generations.

Though our hearts are broken by his absence, we find peace in knowing that because of Jesus Christ, families are eternal. We look forward with hope to the happy day when we will be together again.

Dave is survived by his loving wife of nearly 32 years, Heidi; their beloved children, Caleb (Samantha) Peterson, Allie (Josh) Kneeland, Dallin (Olivia) Peterson, Brynn Peterson and Max Peterson; his cherished grandchildren, Lottie and Isla (children of Josh and Allie Kneeland); his siblings, Kristin (Tom) Farnsworth, Mike (Heather) Peterson, Brian (Pam) Peterson, Karyn (Dave) Woolf and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Margo Peterson.

We would like to thank all the friends, family and caregivers who showed such tender love and service during this unimaginable trial.

A viewing will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Russon Mortuary, located at 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, Utah, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A viewing will also be held on Saturday morning at the church prior to the service from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., at the Bountiful Utah Orchard Stake Center, located at 3599 South Orchard Drive, Bountiful, Utah.

A private interment will take place immediately following the service at the Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park in Millcreek, Utah.