Howard LaVar Peterson, 93, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, died Friday, July 17, 2009, at Lincoln Court in Idaho Falls of congestive heart failure with his daughters at his side. He was under the care of Creekside Home Health and Hospice. LaVar was born January 13, 1916, in Lyman, Idaho, to James Howard Peterson and Vilda Lutz Peterson. When he was 3 years old, his mother died of influenza and he was raised by his grandmother, Camma Lutz, in Rexburg, Idaho. He graduated from Madison High School in 1934, where he played trombone in the band and was in student government. During the summers, he worked for his uncle, Con Peterson, in West Yellowstone, Montana, and for Walford Johnson at Johnson Drug in Rexburg. From 1937 to 1939, he went to the University of Idaho southern branch trade school in Pocatello and learned to become a printer. He met Beth Nelson at a picnic in Ross Park in Pocatello. They were married on Oct. 21, 1939, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and their marriage was solemnized on May 16, 1961, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They lived in Rexburg where in 1942 their twin daughters were born. LaVar worked for the Rexburg Standard newspaper and later for the Rexburg Abstract Office. In 1950, he started working as a linotype operator for the Post Register and the family moved to Idaho Falls. He retired from the Post Register in May of 1980. He liked to collect coins and model trains. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed telling funny stories. In his later years, he enjoyed taking drives, listening to ball games, and being with his family. LaVar was a great husband and Dad. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a faithful home teacher and enjoyed attending the temple. He is survived by his twin daughters: Jane (Paul) Ahlstrom, and Joan (Stephen) Peterson of Idaho Falls; 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beth, who passed away July 8, 2008, and his parents. Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m., Friday, July 24, 2009, at the Idaho Falls LDS 24th Ward, 1155 E. First Street with Bishop Doug Hillman officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. prior to the services at the church. Burial will be at Fielding Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary. The family would like to thank the staff at Lincoln Court, Creekside Home Health and Hospice, and Dr. Leland Krantz and his staff. The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Primary Children's Medical Center Foundation; P.O. Box 58249; Salt Lake City, UT 84158-0249; 801-662-5959. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.coltrinmortuary.com.