Deacon Petersen remembered as a compassionate man who cared for others

As a physician and a deacon, Richard J. Petersen, M.D., spent his life taking care of people.

He died Oct. 27. He was 74.

A visitation was scheduled for Friday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial for 10 a.m. on Nov. 4, both at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church in Omaha. Interment will follow at Calvary Mausoleum.

Deacon Petersen grew up in Omaha, attending Mass and school at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish. He spent a year at Conception Seminary in Missouri before returning to graduate from the former Cathedral High School in Omaha. He received his undergraduate degree from Creighton University and later attended Creighton University School of Medicine, graduating in 1965.

Deacon Petersen and his wife, Janice, lived in Phoenix for a time before moving back to Omaha. He received certification from the National Catholic Bioethics Center in 2006 and served as the president of the Catholic Physicians Guild of Phoenix.

Family and friends remember Deacon Petersen as compassionate, kind-hearted and committed to pro-life causes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary Petersen, and brothers Frank, Dan and Jerry.

He is survived by his beloved wife; son Jerry; daughters Peggy and Christine; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He also is survived by his brother, Gene; and his sister, Servant of Mary Sister Margaret Mary Petersen.