Garth Larsen Petersen, 84, a lifelong Idaho Falls resident, died November 10, 2010, at his home surrounded by his family. Garth was born December 19, 1925, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Virlow Clayton Petersen and Sarah Clarice Larsen Petersen. In 1941, he was ordained into the priesthood of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After graduating from Idaho Falls High school in 1944, he joined the U.S. Navy and served in the South Pacific during World War II. After a honorable discharge, he joined his father working and managing the City Cleaners which he later purchased. In 1948, he married Sue Anderson and they had two children, Kristi and Richard "Dick". Garth was active in the BPO Elks Club and served a term as an Exalted Ruler. Garth and Sue were accomplished skiers and introduced many to the sport as instructors at the Kelly Canyon Ski School. Garth and Sue divorced in 1963. Garth was a hunter, fisherman and loved boating with friends and family on the Snake River and spending time at the cabin in Island Park which he built with his brothers-in-law. He loved playing the organ. Garth could always be found singing or whistling a tune and for a short time, he sang tenor with a local glee club. In November 1964, Garth married LaVaun Svedin Stone. He sold the City Cleaners and purchased the Idaho Canvas Company where he put his talents to work crafting custom canvas products. Two of his huge tipi's were in use for years at the Moose Chuck Wagon in Grand Teton National Park. Upon the sale of the canvas company, Garth and LaVaun began wintering in Sun City, Arizona. LaVaun passed away there in 1996. In 1997, Garth and Marie McConell became constant companions. They enjoyed 14 years together in the midst of their combined families, and wintering in Sun City until the last couple of years. During his long life, Garth was a part of the fabric of the business and social communities having owned and actively managed two successful businesses and enjoying a wide and active circle of friends. Garth is survived by his companion, Marie McConnell of Idaho Falls; her son, Glenn (Reva) McConnell of Mackay;grandsons, Jake (Megan) and Mike (Lisa) McConnell and great-grandchildren, Jessie, Ben and Vincent McConnell all of Idaho Falls; a daughter, Kristi (Art) Denton of Jackson, Wyoming; a son, Richard "Dick" ( Gretchen) Petersen of Fairbanks, Alaska; grandson, Skyler Denton of Jackson; a brother, Kay (Nelda) Petersen of Boise; half sisters: Vera Valentine of Boise, Mona Merz of Orem, Utah; Sherrie Hatch of Cedar City, Utah; Judy Larsen of Preston, and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Colleen Moss, a brother, Dale Petersen, and a step-son, Farrell Stone. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 15, 2010, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St. Idaho Falls. The family will receive friends from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the mortuary. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Idaho Falls where military rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Team and the Idaho Military Honor Guard. Send condolences to the family online at www.coltrinmortuary.com