Dale LeMor Peterson

Dale LeMor Peterson, 90, passed away peacefully at home in Saratoga, California, on December 30, 2025.

Dale was born July 16, 1935, in Circleville, Utah, to Florence Lauretta Stewart and Arnold Elton Peterson. He was the youngest of five children: James Aaron, Dawna Joy Reed, Arnold Elton, Vreeland Stewart, and a brother to four Navajo boys whom he loved: Harley, Lee, Alvin, and Ben Tsinigini. He grew up working on the family farm, where he learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and self-reliance. After his father’s passing, he was blessed with a wonderful stepfather, Ira McDonough.

Dale attended Piute High School, where he was elected student body president. Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Army and served as a paratrooper. He met Afton Jolley at the College of Southern Utah, and they married on September 7, 1957, in the St. George, Utah, Temple. They continued their education at Utah State University. At the end of his junior year, he was hired by a company based in Palo Alto, California. He further pursued his education in electrical engineering at San Jose State University. Dale built a distinguished career in the defense electronics industry, writing technical papers for professional journals and earning multiple patents and honors for developing microwave tubes that were used for guidance systems in planes, rockets, and missiles. He eventually served as president and CEO of a defense electronics company and retired in 1999.

Dale and Afton raised three children and shared a life rooted in faith, service, and generosity. Dale served faithfully in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including volunteering in the Oakland, California, Temple.

Dale had a lifelong love of flying and earned his pilot’s license while in the Army. For 15 years, he used his airplane to transport medical personnel and supplies to small towns in Mexico, where he also volunteered, repairing hospital equipment and serving those in need.

He was known for his ability to fix anything, his love of photography, reading, and his genuine interest in people. Dale loved his family and friends and was most happy when he was surrounded by them, retelling stories of his past. It was his nature to serve others and lend a hand to those in need. Many have been recipients of his generous help, including his grandchildren, whom he blessed with the opportunity to obtain a college education. Dale never met a stranger and had friends around the world. In retirement, he spent many summers in Circleville, where his heart always remained. He treasured his associations with the people of Piute County.

He is survived by his wife, Afton; his children, Melanie (Glenn) Karren of Florence, Oregon, Scott (Michele) Peterson of Orangevale, California, and Terilyn (Dana) Karren of Saratoga, California; 13 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Dale leaves a legacy of hard work, kindness, service, generosity, and love for family that will be cherished by all who knew him.

A Memorial Service will be held in Circleville, Utah, on February 14, 2026, at 12 noon in the Circleville Ward chapel. 
Burial will be in the Circleville Cemetery.
Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary of Richfield, Salina, & Manti

An online guestbook and livestreaming of services will be available through www.MagelbyMortuary.com