Keith Ray Peterson, of Orem, Utah, passed away on May 14, 2025 after a brief illness, exacerbated by a longer battle with Parkinson's disease. Keith was born on Travis Air Force Base in California on July 8, 1951 to Bob and Roberta Peterson, the second of six children. Keith's early life was one of adventure, shaped by his time as part of an Air Force family. His childhood took him across Kansas, Massachusetts, Colorado, Illinois, Ohio, Japan, and Turkey. His education journey brought him to Brigham Young University, and he later embarked on an LDS mission to Uruguay and Argentina, an experience that deeply enriched his life and embodied a commitment to faith and service.

On April 5, 1974, Keith married Diane Owens in the Provo Utah Temple. Together they had five children: Bradley, Elizabeth, Melanie, Jeffrey, and Christopher. Keith is remembered as a deeply thoughtful dad, firm in his convictions, who was also clever, adroit with word play and quick with a joke. He maintained that he had heard every joke in the world; by the time you got to the end he had already figured out the punchline.

Keith's intellect and problem solving served him well in his career as a machinist and toolmaker. He was blessed with a technical ability to look at anything mechanical and understand it. He had a reputation for precision and excellence. He could build or fix anything at work or at home. He used that skill to create opportunities and experiences for people to connect, such as the backyard playhouse that he designed and built, which became famous in the neighborhood. He was generous with his talents and kindness; he saw needs and filled them decisively and without fanfare.

Keith was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in various callings, including Ward Clerk, Scout Master, High Councilor, MTC Branch Presidency Counselor, Bishop, Primary Teacher, and Official Pinewood Derby Compliance Officer. He loved serving children and youth, and had great memories of fun times spent at scout camps and girls' camps.

Keith had a passion for learning and exploration. He participated in a wide variety of hobbies throughout his life; part of his enjoyment was sharing those with others. He built his own recumbent bicycle. He enjoyed playing Scrabble, building and flying model airplanes, and studying the night sky through his telescopes. He shared his mother's love of reading, and he was the champion of any trivia game. He loved traveling to various national parks and beautiful places.

In his last 15 years, Keith lived with Parkinson's Disease, which caused a progressive tremor and difficulty in everyday living. He handled the challenges with grace and humor; he and his boss joked that after retirement, Keith could go on to have a great second career salting fries at McDonald's. In the past few years, his favorite parlor trick was to show people how well his medical implant suppressed his tremors, by turning off the device to induce wild flailing before turning the device back on.

Keith spent his last two months in a care center, where he was well tended by staff and his devoted wife, Diane. He enjoyed a renewal of energy that accompanied a more accommodating environment. The family is grateful for the service that was rendered there and the fun that Keith enjoyed during his last weeks.

Keith is preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Roberta Peterson, parents in law Seldon and Carol Owens. He is survived by his wife Diane Owens Peterson, children Bradley (Mamta) Peterson, Liz (Dan) Ibarra, Melanie (Mark) Morgan, Jeff (Sara) Peterson, Chris Peterson; grandchildren Celeste, Joshua, Rebekah & Micah Ibarra, Jacob & Alyssa Morgan, and Gretl Dawn Peterson. He leaves behind a legacy of curiosity, craftsmanship, and love. Though his journey on earth has ended, his memory will continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 21 at 11:00 am, at the LDS Church located at 95 North 600 West, Orem, Utah. A viewing will be held on Tuesday evening May 20 from 6-8 pm, and again on Wednesday morning May 21 from 9:30-10:30 am. Loved ones are invited to attend to celebrate his remarkable life. Interment will be in the Orem City Cemetery.