Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Lance Petersen Obituary
Born on October 31, 1939, in Lincoln, Nebraska to Fred Petersen and Wretha Kline Petersen, he moved to Rockville, Maryland as a toddler and spent his adult life in Potomac, Maryland until he retired from dentistry and moved to Florida in 2000.
Dad graduated from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School in 1957 and went on to pursue undergraduate studies at Montgomery Junior College (MC) and Sacramento State. Following that, he received his DDS from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
After he received his dental degree, he served in the US Air Force as a dentist. He spent 32 years in private practice as a dentist, where he was known for his gentleness to his patients and exceptional dental work. His staff had very little turnover, as he was great to work with. He was dedicated to his profession, family, and friends.
Dad enjoyed skiing, tennis, and boating as a young man, and later on, he was interested in health and nutrition. Throughout his whole life, he had a love for cars. During retirement, he channeled his love for cars into owning a Grease Monkey, pursued teaching hygiene at the Charlotte Technical Center, and was active in the local Rotary Club.
Dad was full of stories, had a great smile, a fun wink, a soft soul and he deserves to have his long years of fatherly love honored. He was a man of honesty, kindness, and humor and he left a memorable and gentle impression on those close to him.
He is survived by his daughter, Kirsten Petersen, and three grandchildren Liam (18), Donovan (15), and Danica Hanrahan (12) of Los Angeles, California, and by his brother and sister-in-law, Chris and Debbie Petersen of Aurora, Colorado, as well as many friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly, including his dear granddog, Oreo.
We find comfort in knowing that Dad's legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, his kind heart, and the memories we will cherish forever.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 15 at 5:00 pm at Englewood Beach, Florida in Pavillion 1.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lance Petersen
Judith Foosaner
March 29, 2025
I am so sorry to learn that Lance is gone.
We met in Sacramento when we were both in school and did some serious hanging out together for a while. My memories of him are all good--wonderful, really. He was a kind, gentle, warm and charming soul. I loved knowing him and it saddens me that we lost touch over the years, but I can see--from all these many entries, that Lance had a rich and fulfilling life and I am so glad for that. He was one of the very best.
My heart and all my sympathy to his family and friends. Judith Foosaner
Surry
February 1, 2025
Your dad was a great person. Am so sorry for your loss
Charles & Donna French
September 14, 2024
He was a special cousin tho we got to know him more his last years here in Florida. Loved getting together with him at Christmas and Resurrection Day with our family - always so thoughtful and full of stories of his life. We loved him and miss him. Cousins Donna & Charles French.
Lisa M
September 14, 2024
Lance is one of the most beautiful souls I have ever met. I am very thankful to have shared so many awesome moments with him.
Todd Eismann
September 12, 2024
Take with you the memory of Lance's smile, sense of humor and thoughtfulness.
He was proud of his daughter and his grandchildren and he loved them very much. He will be missed.
Heather Petersen-Eismann
September 12, 2024
I am Lance's niece. My Dad is his youngest brother, Chris. My Uncle Lance was most of all a proud father and grandfather. Kirsten was at the center of his life. His daughter and grandchildren brought him such joy. My Uncle took great pleasure in his profession as a dentist. I know he enjoyed caring for his patients and providing them the best possible care. He enjoyed success later in life as an entrepreneur. He was a generous, kind, gentle man with a sweet spirit. Uncle Lance had a wonderful smile that would light up his face. He would get a mischievous glint in his eye when he was teasing you. I have heard from my Dad that he was strong, athletic and competitive in his younger life. Additionally, I remember his lifelong passion and love of cars. I know my Uncle loved his family and friends with his whole heart. I will always remember him with great affection and love.
Heather Petersen-Eismann
September 12, 2024
Heather Petersen-Eismann
September 12, 2024
Heather Petersen-Eismann
September 12, 2024
Heather Petersen-Eismann
September 12, 2024
Heather Petersen-Eismann
September 12, 2024
Mike Petersen
September 12, 2024
I´m deeply saddened by the news of Uncle Lance´s passing. Although I didn´t get to spend as much time with him in person as I would have liked, the times we did share are memories I will always cherish. I loved hearing him and my Dad talk, especially when their conversations turned to cars-it always made me smile.
One of my fondest memories is when the whole family came together in Aspen/Snowmass. Lance´s warm smile and great laugh made those moments even more special.
Please know that I´m sending all of my love to you during this incredibly difficult time. My thoughts are with you and everyone who held him dear.
Ken Guard
September 12, 2024
Ken Guard
September 12, 2024
Ken Guard
September 12, 2024
Ken Guard
September 12, 2024
This isn't my first memory as I met Lance over 50 years ago. This is about my Halloween costume party in 2015...Lance was hilarious. What a sense of humor.
Ken Guard
Debbie Petersen
September 12, 2024
Lance´s passing has been hard. I knew him for over 50 years, as his sister-in-law. Mostly Chris and I were together when visiting. When Chris joined the Coast Guard in 1970, I was working in Maryland at National Geographic and Lance was kind enough to let me live at his home until I could join Chris. He had many colorful stories to tell and did a great job of looking out for me. I did the best job I could to console him, when his Corvette, at the time, was stolen. Since he was such a good guy, I eventually forgave him for eating all of my doughnuts from a bag clearly marked "Debbie". He is loved.
Lisa Solomon
September 12, 2024
Kirsten, your dad was my favorite dentist! He was gentle, kind, and honest. I had never had a cavity and always got good reports. I loved going to his dental office because it was so low-key. When my parents insurance changed forcing us to switch dentists, I didn't realize how amazing he was until the switch and boy did I miss him and the office! Suddenly, I had 5 cavities and needed them filled followed by a lot of dental issues and grievances our family was having in the process. It turned out the new dentist wasn't honest and we kept trying to find someone like your dad but never did. I know his presence will be remembered by you and your kids and his memory will live one through all that knew him. Wishing you healing thoughts at this time. Love, Lisa
Chris Petersen
September 12, 2024
Lance was my oldest brother. He was eight years older than me. When he was younger he was very strong and was very athletic. I was always proud of him for being an outstanding dentist. He did extensive dental work on me. He had a love of cars and owned some outstanding vehicles, my favorite was a1964 Corvette he bought new. He had nice smile and wink. He was very proud of Kirsten and his grandchildren. He was overall a kind person. I loved him and will miss him.
Kenneth Guard
September 12, 2024
I was introduced to Lance by his friend, my high school buddy, Harold Shapiro, DDS over 50 years ago. First impression: A really nice person. Lasting impression: Lance never spoke ill of anyone and never dwelled on negatives. He was a man of his word, a true friend. I got to know his mother well and spent a lot of time with her. Lance had many of her traits.
Ken Guard
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
Make a Donation
in Lance Petersen's name
Memorial Events
for Lance Petersen
How to support Lance's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Lance Petersen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
