Roger D. Peterson, D.D.S.

Roger D. Peterson, D.D.S.

February 1, 1936 – June 8,2022

 VISITATION: Thursday, June 16th from 5pm to 7pm at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, 15353 Pacific, followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm.  MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Friday, June 17th at 10am, St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.  Entombment with Military Honors: Friday, June 17th at Resurrection Mausoleum.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Let’s Win Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, American Diabetes Association, or Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.

 

Embracing and Living Life to the Fullest – Dr. Roger Dean Peterson

Dr. Roger Dean Peterson, a retired family dentist and resident of Omaha, NE, died on June 8, 2022, at the age of 86.  As he was making his transition to the spiritual life, he was lovingly surrounded by his family, sharing stories, singing songs, and expressing their affection for a man they called father, grandfather, great grandfather or husband.

Roger is survived by his wife, Carolyn (née Gutschenritter); his children, Michelle Craig (Paul), Jackie Grant (Scott), Roger Dean (Amber), Patti Luetticke (Gary), and Eddie (Jenna); and his brother Gerald Peterson (Melania).  He is predeceased by his mother (Merle Peterson) and father (Fred Peterson).

Roger was born on February 1, 1936, to Fred and Merle Peterson.  He graduated from Creighton University where he earned his undergraduate degree and then successfully earned his DDS degree from The University of Tennessee Dental School in 1965.  He practiced dentistry for over 40 years in Omaha and quickly established a presence in his community as a dentist with both expertise and a knack for putting his patients at ease.  On February 7, 1959, he married Carolyn Jean Gutschenritter, a nursing student.  And since that day in 1959, they were the “perfect couple”.  Carolyn claims that they never fought!  A match made in heaven, as they say!

Roger was a man who lived life to the fullest.  And those who knew Roger were immediately taken by his warmth, sense of humor, zest for life, and his abundance of charm.  First and foremost, Roger was not only a loving husband to Carolyn with over 63 years of marriage, but he was an incredible father of 5 children, grandfather of 12, and great grandfather of 3, all who looked up to him every step of the way.  He lived and loved by example.  Most importantly, Roger was a man of very strong faith in God.  He would demonstrate this faith by attending church daily, sing in the church choir with Carolyn, and would often play the piano for the different masses, when needed.  Beyond these great characteristics, Roger was an immensely talented musician, having played the piano his entire life.  Most recently, his musical skills would attract a crowd of admirers at their Lakeside Village Community when he would play for his “fans” every night after dinner.  Over the years, Roger accumulated a very diverse assortment of interests and hobbies, ranging from his appreciation of fine wine, the arts, he became a certified train engineer at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, and graduated from Clown School to entertain many of his younger dental patients, just to name a few.

Roger will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

 

18 Comments

  • Barbars walters Posted June 11, 2022 9:13 am

    My condolences to the family. Roger was a nice and pleasant man. He will be missed by many

  • Doug and Kim Johnson Posted June 11, 2022 3:42 pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We’re so glad we had the opportunity to spend time with Roger at various family gatherings. ❤️❤️❤️

  • Don McQueen Posted June 11, 2022 6:50 pm

    I’m sorry for your loss. He sounds like a good man who will be missed by many.

  • Don McQueen Posted June 11, 2022 6:50 pm

    I’m sorry for your loss.

  • Anne Karwath Posted June 11, 2022 7:38 pm

    Sending my deepest sympathy to all the Peterson family. Roger was a multi talented and unique person who made his mark on the world.

    I always admired and enjoyed his positive attitude about everything, but especially about how he dealt with T1D. He inspired me and my family with how gracefully he managed his diabetes for so many decades.

    Prayers for peace and solace in this tough time for the entire family, and especially for Carolyn.
    +❤️

  • Barbara Thomas Posted June 12, 2022 6:54 am

    He lived a life that mattered, his legacy love, laughter and family.

  • Precious S Kellogg Posted June 12, 2022 7:29 am

    Sending thoughts and prayers to Carolyn and the Peterson family. I had the pleasure of providing care for Dr Peterson. I will definitely miss seeing him. He often made me laugh. He loved listening to country western and Michael Buble’. Every time I hear a Michael Buble’ song it reminds me of Roger. He was full of life and lots of fun. I’ll miss u buddy. ~Precious

  • Bitsey Draur Posted June 12, 2022 12:41 pm

    Sending my love and prayers to a man and his family who enriched my childhood immensely with so many blessings and wonderful adventures and memories (and fillings!). ❤️ Holding you all close to my heart. Love and hugs to you all, Bitsey

    • Carolyn Posted June 13, 2022 10:45 pm

      Thanks Bitsey! We appreciate your kind thoughts.

    • Carolyn Peterson Posted June 13, 2022 11:03 pm

      Thank you Bitsey!

  • Gloria Jorgensen Posted June 12, 2022 2:59 pm

    I remember Roger and Carolyn well. Roger played for me a couple of times at Mass at St. John Vianney. He had a flare when playing the piano. He was a gentle man always with a smile on his face.

  • Janet Haney Posted June 13, 2022 8:46 pm

    Dear Carolyn … My thoughts and prayers are for you and your family … With the Good Lord at your side you will have peace… Sending my deepest Sympathy your way. Peace and Joy, Jan Haney

  • David Tamisiea Posted June 14, 2022 9:58 am

    I am very sorry to hear about Dr. Peterson’s passing. Dr. Peterson was a wonderful, good, and kind man. My parents were friends with him and Carolyn, and Roger junior and I grew up together. I remember how much I liked Dr. Peterson growing up and what a fun-loving man he was. I’ll be praying for the peaceful repose of his soul and for the whole Peterson family.

  • Betty Walsh Posted June 15, 2022 8:56 am

    My dad was in a nursing home for years. Roger would bring him Communion almost every Sunday. Dad looked forward to his visit as he would stay and talk with him. Carolyn would make him a cake once in awhile. What a nice and thoughtful man. So sorry for your loss.

  • Pamela McCawley Posted June 15, 2022 9:39 am

    To the Peterson family, thoughts are with you. Dr. Peterson was our family dentist for years, and we enjoyed time at wine tasting & other events with him & family.. He will be missed.

  • Madeline Bartsch Posted June 16, 2022 3:01 pm

    Carolyn
    I’m so sorry for the loss of Roger, your precious husband. You and your family are in my prayers.
    God bless!
    Marilyn Bartsch

  • Madeline Bartsch Posted June 16, 2022 3:05 pm

    Carolyn
    I’m so sorry for the loss of Roger, your precious husband. You and your family will be in my prayers.
    God Bless!
    Marilyn Bartsch

  • Dianne Bartek Posted June 16, 2022 3:39 pm

    My sincere condolences to Carolyn and the Peterson family. I enjoyed hearing Roger play the piano at our book club Christmas parties. He and Carolyn were a lot of fun. They were also very devoted to each other, faith and family.

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