AAPS, Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences

Jeffery Lynn (Jeff) Petersen passed away on July 5, 2025. Born on September 18, 1962, in Logan, Utah, Jeff was the son of Derrall and Karen Petersen and brother to Corey Petersen in San Diego, California, Michael (& Ida) Petersen in Oakley, Idaho, and Chris (& Oana) Petersen in Hyrum, Utah.

Jeff attended Sky View High School and earned a B.A. in Art from Utah State University. He also served an LDS mission in Indiana. Jeff grew up in Hyrum, Utah and then lived in Hollywood, Salt Lake City and Germany before settling in Logan, Utah, where he remained until his passing.

Jeff always had a passion for history, art, ancestry, archaeology, science, traveling, world cultures, collecting rare artifacts, and breathing life into the past. He transformed his home into a one-of-a-kind personal museum dedicated to the many remarkable and eclectic pieces he spent his life studying. Jeff offered free tours, opened his doors for gatherings, and shared his love for the old and the extraordinary with anyone who stepped inside. For Jeff, it wasn't about keeping treasures. It was about sharing them.

Jeff had an uncanny ability to connect with anyone. Family, friends, neighbors, even complete strangers. His generosity knew no bounds. He frequently hosted parties at his house, welcoming guests with open arms, incredible food, and an awe-inspiring atmosphere. He even volunteered his home for others to celebrate their own milestones. Of all his passions and crafts, his greatest skill was making people feel special and seen. His kindness, warmth, and vibrant energy made him not just loved, but unforgettable.

Jeff's absence leaves a space that can't be filled. But his spirit lives on-in the artifacts he preserved, the people he inspired, and the stories he told with color, passion, and purpose.