Warren Lee Peteren

Warren Lee Petersen, 67, peacefully passed from this earthly existence in the early afternoon of March 15, 2024 at the Anschutz Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado with family by his side. Warren was born on June 12, 1956 in Ogden, Utah to Joseph Claine Petersen and Erma Irene Boam Petersen. His family shortly thereafter moved to Wilmington, Delaware. In 1964, his family moved to Laramie, Wyoming. 

The majority of Warren’s growing up years were in Laramie where he graduated from Laramie High School in 1974. Throughout high school, he was active in the marching band and played the baritone. In 1971, his band won the Marching Band World Championship held in Vienna, Austria. Warren was also an active member of the Boy Scouts of America. At this time Warren also developed a love of cars, especially cars that went fast. His baby was a 67 Chevelle SS and he was known to be a big favorite of the drag race crowd in Laramie. He also enjoyed racing dirt bikes. After graduation, Warren was called to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the England Birmingham Mission in 1975. After his mission, Warren attended the University of Wyoming where he met the love of his life, Kathleen Hill at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Institute of Religion. Kathy once told Warren that it was doubtful he would get married as his wife died in the war in heaven (she later repented of that). They were married on July 8, 1978 in the Salt Lake City Temple and began a life together that endured for 45 years. 

Warren went on to attend the Wyoming Technical Institute and graduated as an Automotive Technician in 1979. Warren decided to specialize with Japanese model cars and enrolled in the DATSUN/NISSAN Master Technician program and graduated in 1984. He was also certified as an ASE Master Technician. He worked for Nissan for many years in Laramie and Rock Springs, Wyoming and in Littleton, Colorado. He also operated as a Snap-On Tool dealer and ran an automotive repair business for over 20+ years in Loveland. He was still running his automotive repair business up until he became ill in May of 2023.

Warren had many hobbies and interests over the years besides cars. He and Kathy enjoyed touring on motorcycles and taking long road trips. He also was a life long fisherman and enjoyed fishing in the Snowy Range Mountains (he was also proficient in tying his own flies) as well as camping, water and snow skiing, photography, and last but not least – storm chasing. He and Steven had many happy years of chasing tornadoes during the spring and summer months. At best estimate they put on about 3000-5000 miles per season and actually visualized 24 tornadoes.  Warren photographed many of the tornados they chased.

Warren also enjoyed serving in many church callings through the years, but especially enjoyed his time serving in the Young Men organization. He had an impact on many young men who he still kept in contact with before becoming a Ward Clerk in the Longview, Woodmere and Centennial Park Wards.

Warren is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen of Loveland, Colorado; daughter, Aimee Petersen of Layton, Utah; daughter, Katie (Rory) Jantz of Windsor, Colorado; and son, Steven (Maddie) Petersen of Mead, Colorado. A brother, Brent (Terri) Petersen of Holladay, Utah; sister, Claudia (Brian) Stimpson of Dallas, Texas; and sister, Anne Herbst of Payson, Utah. Grandchildren, Ashley (Chris) McCarthy, Kenzie (Chris) Yates, and Braden Jantz. Grandchild-to-be, Vivienne Petersen. 

Warren is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph C. Petersen and Erma I. Boam Petersen. 

Funeral services will take place Friday, March 22, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Loveland Stake Center, 3800 Mountain Lion Drive in Loveland, Colorado.

A graveside dedication will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 1:00pm at the Fielding, Utah cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the House of Neighborly Services, in care of Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral Home, 1102 N. Lincoln Avenue, Loveland, CO  80537.