John S. Petersen

Long time Whitefish resident and local dentist passed away July 23. Dr. John S. Petersen DDS (Pete or Jack by relatives) was born in Missoula, Montana in 1935.

A source of pride was his USMC service, after discharge he attended college at Montana State as well as Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. After graduation, he moved to Whitefish, Montana to establish his dentistry practice. After 40 years of dentistry Pete retired in 2005. After retirement, he continue to work on his labor of love — the cabin at Good Creek with his wife of almost 40 years, Jean.

Dr. Petersen is survived by his wife Jean Petersen of Whitefish, daughters Dia Maurer of Spokane, Washington, Kim Phillips of Greenacres, Washington, Chris VonHeeder of Kalispell, JoAnna Armendariz of Santa Clarita, California; sons John Petersen of Coupeville, Washington, and DJ Paolini of Kalispell and his sister Marilyn Petersen of Bozeman, Montana. He’s also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren scattered throughout the western states. A private family service will be held at a later date.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mercer for his care and compassion for both Pete and Jean, and the wonderful staff at Flathead County Agency on Aging, a Veteran Care program. We are also in debt to his many caregivers and friends for their loving attention. Gifts could be sent to Whitefish Presbyterian Church, 301 Central Ave., Whitefish.