Richard J. Petersen, M.D.
April 19, 1939 – October 27, 2023
Dick grew up in South Omaha and attended St. Peter and Paul Church and School. Dick’s pursuit of knowledge led him to Conception Seminary in Missouri for a year before completing his high school education at Cathedral High School. He went on to attend Creighton University for his undergraduate studies and later attended Creighton University School of Medicine, graduating in 1965.
In 1965, Dick married the love of his life, Janice. Together, they built a beautiful family and shared many cherished moments. Dick was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife, Janice; son, Jerry; daughters, Peggy and Christine, three grandchildren: Johnathon (Caroline), Casey and Jack (Alesia); two great-grandchildren, Noah and Miles; siblings, Gene Petersen and Sr. Margaret Mary Petersen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary Petersen; brothers: Frank, Dan, and Jerry.
As a physician and Deacon in the Catholic Church, Dick dedicated his life to caring for others. He served his community with compassion and expertise, leaving a lasting impact on the lives he touched. His community and parishioners held him in high regard for his exceptional skills and kind-hearted nature.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Servants of Mary, a community that was close to Dick’s heart.
VISITATION: Friday, November 3rd from 6pm to 7pm at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific, followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Saturday, November 4th at 10am, St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church. Entombment, Calvary Mausoleum.
To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
14 Comments
Fondest of memories of a man who served with passion and conviction, especially those who had no voice but his. This side of heaven has lost a good man. My condolences to all the family.
Dear Jan and family,
Deacon Dick was a beloved servant of God who will be deeply missed at St. Roberts. We so admired his love of faith, family and our children . He was a Pro-Life Warrior who will always be remembered for standing strong and leading with a heart full of love. Our hearts are so sad with yours but yet, we rejoice that The Lord has surely welcomed him to the everlasting joy in heaven.
Much love and prayers, Mike and Beth Jareske
Our thoughts are with you, Jan and your family. We are so glad to have had the opportunity to meet Dick. May God console you and your family as he welcomes Dick home.
Dick was my friend and stood by me when others would not. He was a role model and a man I will always remember. Now, instead of praying for Dick, we can pray to him.
Jan, my heart is very heavy. But you know as well as I the power of the Rosary. Eternal light and peace grant unto him oh Lord!. Many hugs and prayers are sent your way.
I could always count on Deacon Dick for moral support, guidance and a good laugh when needed! He was always happy to see me and he always made me feel welcomed when he was present! He was a man of God who devoted his life to helping others, we have missed him tremendously, since he left St. Tim’s! He will be truly missed by everyone who knew him!
Deacon Peterson helped me and my family through a very dark time of loss. I will never forget his kindness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jan, Neil and I are so sorry to hear about Dick. He was always so kind, and we’ve missed him here at St. Tim’s. May Jesus hold you in His arms and fill you with His peace. Sending love and hugs.
I appreciate the many years of service Deacon Dick provided to St. Tim’s, especially helping the Sanctity of Life ministry and Our Lady’s Prayer Group. I picture him being greeted by Fr. Oliver . 🙏🏼
Sorry for your loss Aunt Jan and family ! Uncke Dick was always a kind and generous man! He will be missed!
We are so sorry to hear of Dcn Dick’s passing. We were blessed to spend as much time as we did, Our girls adored him and always chased him down for a hello hug, We enjoyed the updates on the grandkids who he was so proud of. He will be truly missed.
I have been so blessed to have shared paths with Deacon Dick at St. Tim’s but also Dr. Dick in the halls of Chandler Regional Medical Center. Both of us Loving Jesus and we’d stop to just talk about how we could care about God’s people even more. He was truly a disciple from his inner core. Thankful for those Dr. /Deacon moments here on Earth. See you in Heaven!
In the early 2000’s, Deacon Dick taught religion sometimes to the students at Our Lady of Mt.Carmel School in Tempe, AZ. My 1st grade son came home from OLMC one day and asked me, “Do you know the most powerful weapon in the world? It’s the rosary! Deacon Dick told us!” I have always remembered that conversation with gratitude. My son prays the rosary frequently now. Who knows if this was the small seed that started his devotion to the rosary? Thank you Deacon Dick!
Our time with Deacon Dick here in Az was amazing. He helped guide us all toward heaven and we are so grateful for the time he shared with us here in the desert. May he rest in peace. He will be so so missed.
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