Deacon Drew Petersen

Friday, Aug. 01, 2025

Nov. 15, 1943 ~ July 24, 2025

On July 24, 2025, Drew Matthew Petersen Jr. peacefully departed this life while surrounded by his family. Born on November 15, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri to Drew and Ruth Ellen Petersen,  Drew’s early years were spent in Ogden, Utah, where he attended St. Joseph Catholic Elementary and High School. He partied at Santa Clara University and graduated from the University of Utah. 

In 1966, his military service led him to Madigan General Hospital in Tacoma, Washington, where he earned his Licensed Practical Nurse degree, and later taught classes. From 1967-1968, Drew bravely served in Vietnam with the 36th Medical Evacuation Unit, earning an honorable discharge in 1969.

Drew dedicated his career to advocating for individuals with disabilities, serving as the director of Columbus Community Center. He was a strong voice in the legislature for change and equality. Drew’s commitment to community service continued at St. Joseph’s Villa and Catholic Community Services.

Ordained as a deacon on January 23, 2010, Drew assisted with Masses at The Madeleine Choir School and led the diocesan diaconate program for a decade. As an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, he devoted over 40 years to taking communion to the homebound. His active participation at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, including serving on the parish council, was a testament to his faith. 

Drew is survived by his wife Sandra Ann Petersen; six daughters Lisa (Styn) Jamu, Heather (Nate) Leavitt, Heidi Petersen, Mikaele (Daniel) Sansone, Megan (Mitsuo) Bryant, Brigitta (Drew) Erickson; and nine grandchildren Ian, Isabella, Alexander, Abigail, Quinn, Tomeki, Takeo, Cooper and Lincoln. He is also survived by his siblings Don (Andy), Dale (Dottie) and Natasha (Joe) Brunson; sister-in-law Kate Petersen; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Dr. Drew M. Petersen, Sr. and Ruth Ellen Moore Petersen, and his brother Dean.

A special thanks to Frankie, Rachel, Levy and all the caregivers who showed compassion and love for Drew.

Family and friends are invited to the vigil service at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 7 p.m. followed by a viewing. The funeral Mass will be celebrated on August 1, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, followed by the committal at Mount Calvary Cemetery, located at 4th Avenue and U Street. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Good Samaritan Program or Mass intentions for Deacon Drew Petersen can be requested at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, by emailing dallred@utcotm.org.