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Hedi Haecker Williams Peterson
1931-2022

Hedi Haecker Williams Peterson, age 90, passed away at home in Lehi, on April 12th, 2022. She was born on November 25th, 1931, in Frankfurt, Germany, to Gottfried Friedrich (Fritz) and Marta Herter Haecker, and had one younger brother, Hermann.

Hedi attended school in Germany, and later completed an apprenticeship in bookkeeping. She grew up during World War II where she and her family suffered numerous hardships. She was reluctant to share many stories, but we loved to hear those that she did. She told about the many times the sirens would sound and her family would have to hide in the bomb shelters. Adding to the chaos, both of her parents were hearing impaired so the family would often rely on neighbors to notify them of the danger.

Hedi met Elvon Samuel (Sam) Williams while he was enlisted in the United States Air Force and serving in Germany. They were married in Munich on December 18th, 1954, and she later joined him in the United States on April 1, 1955, where they built a home in Orem, Utah. They were blessed with three daughters Evelyn, Marta, and Lori, but were later divorced.

She became U.S. Citizen on August 7, 1959, and legally changed her name from Hedwig to Hedi because she didn't like being called "Head-wig". She was fiercely patriotic and did not take her freedom for granted. When she heard the Pledge of Allegiance or the Star-Spangled Banner, she would echo the words with a tear in her eye.

Hedi went on to married LaMar Peterson on April 23, 1969, in Elko, Nevada and put her bookkeeping skills to use as a medical receptionist. She loved to fish, dance, collect cookbooks and jewelry, play cards, crochet, knit and make clothes for the children and grandchildren. She was an excellent seamstress and was often asked to make costumes for special occasions.

She lived the last eighteen years of her life in Lehi, with her daughter Lori and son-in-law Duff, where she enjoyed the thrills of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She attended family celebrations, extracurricular activities while her health permitted, and always welcomed visitors, especially her grandchildren, who brought sparkles to her eyes.

She was blessed with and adored 7 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren, whose smiles, laughter, and innocently witty remarks lifted her spirit with joy.

She is survived by her daughters, Evelyn (Howard) Wolsey, Provo, Utah; Marta (Bruce) Whittington, Ivins, Utah; and Lori (Duff) Turner, Lehi, Utah.
Hedi was preceded in death by her husband, LaMar, her parents, and her only sibling, Hermann Haecker.

The family would like to thank Valeo Hospice for taking such good care of Mom. She had so many wonderful caretakers. She enjoyed her Senior Companion Eleonore, who would stop by once week to play cards. Mom loved that she could speak German with her.

We especially want to thank Missy, her CNA, for her tender, loving care of a sassy old lady.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at Wings Mortuary in Lehi, Utah, 118 East Main Street, from 10:00 – 11:30, followed by a graveside service at the Lehi City Cemetery, 1100 North 400 East at 12:00pm.