Dennis Odell Peterson

Dennis Odell Peterson, age 78, of Mechanicsburg, PA, passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Dennis was born on Tuesday, July 2, 1946 in Flagstaff, AZ to the late Alton Eugene Peterson and Frances Vernati Peterson. 

Dennis’s survivors include his three children: Heidi Payne and husband Sean, of Mechanicsburg, PA, Robyn Candland and husband Peter, of Catharpin, VA, Darrin Peterson and wife Lynette, of Wolfforth, TX; 12 grandchildren: Lauren Candland, Natalie Candland, Ryan Candland, Paige Candland, William Payne, Charlotte Payne, Elizabeth Payne, McKenzie Currin, Julie Peterson, Kylee Peterson, Derek Peterson, Bryan Peterson; three siblings: Gene Peterson of Vallejo, CA, Lori Hunt and husband Dennis, of Longwood, FL, Patricia Hansen and husband Paul, of Sandy, UT; and several nieces and nephews. 

Dennis graduated from Arroyo High School in San Lorenzo, CA as part of the class of 1964 and from Brigham Young University in 1973 with a bachelor’s of science degree and emphasis in computer science. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy and was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association. Before raising his family, he served a two-year church mission in Alaska and Canada. Dennis was a self-employed CPA and CFO who retired in 2010. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served in different positions throughout his life but most enjoyed being a Sunday school teacher for children. Dennis had many interests including golf, cooking, reading, critiquing food, making spreadsheets and playing pinochle. He was a tremendously loyal BYU football and basketball fan through good seasons and bad. One of Dennis’s greatest joys was being active with his grandchildren.  He cheered for kids at many youth sporting events, concerts, plays and graduations.  He never missed a birthday and was always thinking of how he could be involved with his kids and grandkids. Dennis will be dearly missed by all those fortunate to have been in his life.

Dennis will be interred at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery with military honors at a later date.

Dennis’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Dennis’s full obituary, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.