Dean Lowell Antonson, M.D.
December 22, 1947 – September 3, 2021
Dr. Dean Antonson, surrounded by loved ones, left this world peacefully to be with Jesus on September 3, 2021 at the age of 73. He was known as a highly skilled physician who had an excellent bedside manner and a strong Christian faith, often taking time to fix a toy or play catch with children during office visits. Dr. Antonson received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Carleton College in 1970, and his medical education at UNMC. His pediatric residency and pediatric gastroenterology fellowship were completed at UNMC and Vanderbilt University. He was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. Dr. Antonson played an integral role in many UNMC programs throughout his career including serving as Medical Director for the Pediatric Liver and Small Intestine Transplant Program, Medical Director for the Eating Disorders Program, and Chairman of the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Dr. Antonson also served on the Children’s Hospital & Medical Center IRB from 1997 through 2013. He was an accomplished researcher and author. Dr. Antonson enjoyed all aspects of medical education, particularly lecturing. After retiring from his academic position at UNMC in 2013, he went into private practice. Dr. Antonson was also active in the Boy Scouts of America for more than 40 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Leona Antonson; siblings, Dennis and Robin. Dr. Antonson is survived by life partner Jayne M. McClenahan; sons: Jeffrey, Mark (Holly), and David; grandson, Rowan; brothers: Ken (Elayne), Randall (Janet), and Michael, as well as many other relatives and friends.
VISITATION: Wednesday, September 8th from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel, followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Thursday, September 9th at 10:30am at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific St. Interment, Resurrection. Memorials suggested to the Father Shane Education Endowment at St. Robert Bellarmine Church.
To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Mass, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.
9 Comments
Smart, Fun and a very special person…Dean will be missed.
Dean used all the gifts that God gave him to make the world a better place.
My amazing cousin and one of a kind. So many wonderful memories. You are and will be greatly missed.
So sorry to hear of Dean’s passing. He will be missed so much.
I am very sorry to hear of Dr Antonson’s passing. When he was at Children’s, my daughter was a patient of his. He was very helpful in understanding what was going on and why, and for that I will never forget him. Please accept my sympathies and it is of comfort to me that Heaven has gained a caring Angel.
I was saddened by the news of Dean’s passing. I have only know Dean for a short time, meeting him through the RCIA program at St. Robert’s He was a genuine man of faith, and such a kind heart, He will be missed by many of us at St. Robert’s. Rest In Peace Dean
I was so sad to hear about Dr. Antonson. I worked as a child life specialist alongside for many years in the 90’s at Children’s and he was truly one of a kind. I was delighted to cross paths with him while also working at Nebraska Medicine for the past 20 years. I have nothing but fond memories of him and his amazing bedside manner. He was always upbeat and armed with a smile. Kids and families adored him as well as any staff member who knew him. What a loss for not only the medical community, but for all of us as he truly made the world a better place. Rest in peace….
Dean took care of my son for many years at Children’s as we battled through severe bowel issues as a baby. I believe he is the only reason that I got to see my son get married this summer. God Bless you Dr. Dean!!!
So sorry to hear of Dr. Antonson’s passing. My son was a patient of his starting at 12 weeks of age (my son is now 20). Dr.Antonson was brilliant, compassionate and had a great sense of humor. My kids called him “the fun doctor.” He listened to me as a mom and my son finally got the tummy relief he needed and was finally sleeping at night. Dr. Antonson will be missed but never forgotten.
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