Robert J. Petersen MD

Robert Juul Petersen was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 13, 1928 to Arthur Sophus Juul Petersen and Leda Julia Joslyn. He was the second of three sons. He had an older brother,Arthur, and a younger brother, Elmer, who died in infancy. He grew up on the south side of Chicago on Parnell St. He went to Fenger High School where he studied Latin and other esoteric topics and was a proud member of the school harmonica band.

He next attended Grinnell College in Iowa where he received a BS and a Masters in Zoology and Chemistry. Robert was accepted as a medical student at Washington University in St. Louis. During this time he returned home to Chicago for a visit and thought he would go ice skating. He met a beautiful girl there and asked her for a waltz. He was smitten. She was smitten right back, and they married 9 months later. Bernice Dorothy Daly is Robert's forever girl. While in their 20's they joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

He joined the Air Force and served as a physician in the rank of Captain. He served in the Air Force for two years at Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, Illinois.

Robert moved to Provo, Utah to begin his practice as an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor. He practiced for 36 years and loved it. He accepted whatever payment a patient could pay. Some notable examples of this are a live turkey, live ducks, a taxidermied bobcat, a case of wrench sets, 50lb bags of vegetables or even just $1. He would not refuse service to anyone.

He had six children; Sandy, Linda, Julia, John, Joslyn, and Eric. 25 grandchildren and 50 great-grandchildren. He was loved and adored by all of them. Many of them called him "Grampula" for fun, as he liked monster movies and sometimes would cackle like a vampire.

Robert loved being a doctor. He loved to read books, especially about the Civil War, WWII, and Science Fiction. He was a prolific reader and shared his love of reading with his children.

He loved music, especially classical and classic rock.. He determined he had enough older children to form a quartet. So a violist, a violinist, and a cellist were made. He decided to take up double bass at the age of 45 to set a good example of practicing. Age was not a factor in learning new things for him. Robert played bass with the Utah Valley Symphony for years.

He was also a big believer in exercise. Initially he rode a 10 speed bicycle to his office and home. Then for years walked 4-5 miles a day, usually accompanied by his current dog. In his last 17 years he had neuropathy but managed to walk 2 to 3 miles for many of those years. It took him a long time but he did it anyway.

For a period of 38+ years Robert and Bernice opened their home to over 50 college students helping in this way to transition students from teenagers to productive adults. Robert wrote a monthly letter to his family and friends, colleagues and missionaries. With a personal message to each. Keeping in contact for 30 years.

In retirement he found purpose in indexing names on Family Search. Up to his last days he would happily announce his latest numerical accomplishment, totalling over 600,000 names. In 2025 he started training AI in Family Search. Each day in his later years he would index, walk, and go to the gym (3 times weekly).

He learned from one of his grandsons how to play StarCraft. He became an avid StarCraft player (not good, but enthusiastic), often playing against his grandsons but most often playing solo. He was the top player in his age class of 97 years. Who knows what epic interstellar battles he won or lost.

When he retired at age 70, he and Bernice served three missions for the LDS church. First was a 3 month humanitarian mission in Tonga followed by a mission in the Dominican Republic as the mission physician that covered the Caribbean. Next they went on a mission to New Zealand to be temple workers. He served as a temple worker in the Provo Temple.

His sense of humor was delightful. He loved to tease people, especially his grandchildren and friends. He never did it in a harsh or demeaning way. He was simply funny and constantly made us laugh. He could dish it out and he could take it.

Robert adored his parents and spoke of them often. He loved being a doctor but he loved his family more. His wife, Bernice, is his best friend, and favorite person in the world. He told us often that he was so lucky to have a wife like Bernice. He had a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout his life and tried to emulate the Savior's ways. He is beloved by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Robert will be remembered for his faith, generosity, curiosity and deep love for his family.