Born January 10, 1943, in the Petaluma area, Del grew up working in production agriculture before attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He proudly graduated with the Class of 1965 and soon after began what would become a life-long calling: teaching agricultural education. Del joined the Santa Maria High School Agriculture Department and spent four decades shaping the Santa Maria FFA program before retiring in 2005. His dedication to the classroom, the farm, and his students earned him induction into the California Agricultural Teachers Association Hall of Fame in 2014.

Del devoted his life to education and the sheep industry. He raised and showed sheep beginning in 1958 and continued doing so for youth across the country until his final days. He held a deep love for 4-H and FFA members, always working to help young people find confidence, opportunity, and success. For many, he was more than a teacher—he was a mentor, friend, storyteller, and steady source of encouragement. His big heart, generosity, and unwavering commitment to “paying it forward” shaped countless lives and families. It was often said that Del was a “dad to many,” a leader with a genuine, humble spirit and a passion for helping others grow.

Del is survived by the thousands of former students, families, and community members whose lives he touched. His legacy continues in the hearts of all who learned from him, laughed with him, and were inspired by his devotion to agriculture and youth.

Del’s story, service, and enduring kindness left an imprint that will not be forgotten. His life’s work lives on in every student he lifted up, every family he supported, and every young person who found their path because he cared.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 10, on the day he would have turned 83. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Del Petersen Legacy Fund, a nonprofit established to continue his lifelong mission of helping young people in agriculture.