Dr. Ralph Chauncey Petersen, 74, passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday, August 4, 1993.
He was born to Flossie Eleanor Hansen and Waldmar Fredrick Petersen on July 17, 1919 in Hyrum, Utah. He was the third of four sons. He spent his childhood in Hyrum, herding sheep, eating rice and raisins, and enjoying the outdoors.He graduated from South Cache High School and Utah State University. In September 1941, he entered Northwestern Medical University in Chicago, Illinois. Upon receiving his medical degree, he was commissioned in the Army Medical Corp and stationed in the Philippines.
Dr. Petersen practiced medicine for 37 years in Clearfield. Many people grew to know and appreciate his professional work and caring style. For many, his were the first hands to hold them, and care for them through childhood and beyond. For many, his were the last hands to comfort in the end.
Ralph married Virginia Blanchard on September 15, 1945 in Pennsylvania and they were sealed in the Logan Temple in December 1945. He was "Daddy" to four daughters and a son, and "Grandpa Pete" or "Grandpa Ralph" to 15 grandchildren who will dearly miss his company fishing, boating, camping, and working in the outdoors he enjoyed so much, and his quiet talks with them.
Ralph and Virginia served an LDS Mission to the Washington, D.C. South Mission 1989-1990. He had a strong testimony of the gospel and served humbly in many positions.
He served in many leadership positions in the Utah State Family Practice as well as Weber and Davis County Medical Societies. He was the first Chief of Staff of Humana Hospital Davis North.
Ralph is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Virginia Blanchard Petersen; son, Donald Ralph Petersen (Donna), Clearfield; daughters, Lucille Pace (Vince) of Richfield; Susan Cashmore (Jay) of Sandy; Annette Petersen of Layton; Bonnie Jenkins (Lee) of South Jordan; brothers, Leland of Hyrum, and Bruce of Salt Lake City.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 7, 1993 at 11 a.m. at the Clearfield 1st Ward Chapel, 350 E. Center Street. Friends may call Friday evening at the Clearfield Lindquist Mortuary, 1050 So. State from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday at the church from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Interment, Hyrum City Cemetery, Hyrum, Utah.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donation made to the American Heart Assoc. or and LDS Missionary Fund in his memory.
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