Grampa Pete

Carl Deloy "Pete" Johnsen

1926-2014

My Grandfather passed away on Monday, April 14th the day after his 88th birthday. He had taken a fall nearly 6 weeks earlier and broke his leg and after having it repaired was taken to a rehabilitation center to recover. While there he got an infection and had to be transported to the hospital. He began to improve and spent his birthday surrounded by his family in the hospital. The next day things turned for the worse and he passed later in the afternoon peacefully surrounded by his children. My dad was holding his hand when he went. I was very emotional when hearing that he was gone. I felt a lot of comfort knowing that I could see him again but was saddened that I didn't get to say goodbye in person.
My dad and his siblings all stayed close to my grandmother and helped her with all the funeral arrangements and helped her pack her house (they had just purchased a single level house the week before so grampa wouldn't have to deal with the stairs upon returning home).
All of our extended family were reunited for the first time in what felt like forever for the funeral. It was a wonderful occasion to celebrate Grampa Pete and to be together. I had the special privilege to spend some time with my beautiful Gramma the evening before the funeral. We always have such wonderful talks together and this may have been one of the most special. It meant so much to me to have that time with her. Her faith and testimony bring me so much peace and rejuvenate my own testimony.
There was not a formal viewing, however close family members were able to say goodbye to grampa before the family prayer.

Braden and Carter drew special pictures and notes for Grampa 

and Gramma let them put them in the casket with Grampa Great.

The funeral service was absolutely beautiful. Riley was not a happy girl and Kam was wonderful to take her out so I could enjoy the service. My Aunt Nan and my dad spoke along with a friend of Grampa's who served with him at the temple. Afterwards we all drove down to Manti for the graveside service.

Taps

Gramma with her brother; he looks so much like her father.

My mom helped put together a special floral spray for Grampa.

Goodbye Grampa Pete. Until we meet again....