Dr. Albert Peterman

1925 - 2011

Dr. Albert Peterman

September 22, 1925

May 30, 2011

Dr. Albert Peterman, 85, passed peacefully from this life on May 30th, 2011 at his home in Reno, Nevada.

Al (Bud) Peterman was born to Mynie & Marge Peterman on September 22nd, 1925 in Rochester, Minnesota and was the eldest of two children. In 1943 Albert enrolled in pre-med at the University of Wisconsin, in Madison. But with WWII raging, he felt compelled to serve his country. Al joined the Third Army in Europe where he served from 1944 to 1946. With his medical education on hold, he grew up quickly as he witnessed the atrocities of war. Earning a Bronze star and a combat infantry badge, his unit liberated the Dachau concentration camp in Bavaria in April of 45. This experience secured his commitment to a career focused on saving lives and left him with memories that stayed with him forever.

After the Army, Albert achieved his medical degree at Washington University, in St. Louis and then completed an internship at Philadelphia General Hospital. It was during his "rotational" residency at St. Luke's hospital in New York City where he met the love of his life, Nancy DeWitt, the chief nurse in the ER. Al and Nancy were married in 1954 and have lived their lives as one ever since. Al's next rotation took him and Nancy to the Mayo Clinic where he discovered his passion for neurology, and it was also in Rochester where the first 3 of their 5 children were born. Eager to make a difference in his chosen field, he worked hard to become a Fellow of Neurology at the Mayo clinic, and earned his Master of Science in Neurology at the University of Minnesota. Al's first job took him to Northern California where he was a staff neurologist at the Palo Alto clinic and quickly became the Chief of the department and a Clinical Instructor in Neurology at Stanford University School of Medicine. In 1965 Dr. Peterman was recruited to become the first Neurologist not only in Reno, but the entire state of Nevada. He formed a natural partnership with Neurosurgeon, Dr. Adolf Rosenauer where they both enjoyed a successful business. In the early 1970's they decided to go solo due only to changes in malpractice insurance policies. Dr. Peterman became one of the most trusted and well respected Neurologists in the region and developed a successful practice that he cherished. After practicing Neurology for over four decades, Albert retired in 2001. This first retirement did not last long once he realized that golf, travel, and the occasional Monopoly tournament did not satisfy his needs. So he entered the workforce again evaluating disability claims submitted to the Social Security Administration, a job he did with the utmost integrity until his final retirement in 2010.

Al had a special place in his heart for Fallen Leaf Lake, California, his weekend home since 1960. His outdoor adventure and "escape destination" became yet another community that benefited from his leadership and passion. Al was one of the founders of the FLL Home Owners board on which he served for over 40 years, holding several offices including president.

Albert was a pragmatic man of principle with little patience for pretense or anyone lacking the proper sense of urgency. Blessed with an engaging personality, Albert made friends wherever he went and discovered new passions until the last day of his life. To find a more genuine or friendlier man would surely be a challenge.

Dr. Peterman is survived by his wife Nancy, Sister Mary Jane Harris, Sons Andrew Peterman and Adam Peterman, Daughters Amy Isenheart (Robert) of S. Lake Tahoe, Beth Diflo (Paul), Meg Hopper (Gary) of Dayton, Nevada, Grandsons Dan Hopper, Erik Hopper, Ian Hopper, Andrew Diflo, Matthew Peterman, Granddaughter Laura Diflo, three nieces (Christie, Mackenzie, Cindy), and numerous extended family members..

In lieu of flowers please send donations to The American Parkinson's Disease Association. 135 Parkinson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305 www.apdaparkinson.com or call 1-800-223-2732.

A celebration of life will be held at Trinity Episcopal church on June 11, at 1:00 pm with gathering immediately following at Pinoccio's in Reno.