Donald James Peterson

Donald James “Ock” Peterson was born in Chicago during the great depression. While he was still an infant, he and his mother Elaine moved to Cadott, a small town in northern Wisconsin. Ock lived there with his mother and grandparents for the first 10 years of his life. They lived on World War II ration stamps. Electricity reached the house when he was seven and they never did have indoor plumbing. He was focused on fishing in the local river, playing sports, and going to church. After the war, Ock and his mother moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. While his mother worked in farming and then later as a house mother at a local children’s home, he lived with his mother’s sister, Aunt Liddie and her husband Uncle Ted. Ock was a great athlete. He played football, baseball, basketball and ran track. His athletic prowess won him many awards and propelled him to the University of Iowa on an athletic scholarship. While competing for the Hawkeyes Track Team in the Drake Relays, he set a record in the high hurdles. He was accepted into Iowa’s College of Dentistry in 1956. The University of Iowa is where he met and married Virginia Caldwell. He graduated with his Doctor of Dentistry degree and Ginny earned her degree in Dental Hygiene in 1960. At this time, they were blessed with their first child, Tim. After graduation, Ock served two years in the United States Navy. Their small family was stationed in the Aleutian Islands of Adak, Alaska, where Ock practiced dentistry at the base and served the needs of the local indigenous community. Their second child Anne was born on base in Adak. After completing his commission in the Navy, the family moved to Fairfield, Iowa and Ock went into private practice. While in Fairfield, Ock was an active member of many local community boards and President of the local Country Club. He became a certified lay reader for the Episcopal Church and often delivered the Sunday sermon. The family expanded with the birth of Sam in 1965 and daughter Rachel in 1967. In 1968 the family was devastated with the sudden death of Ginny. Ock continued with his Fairfield dental practice and would fly his small plane to Iowa City once a week to provide dental services at the VA Hospital. In 1972 Ock met and fell in love with Joanie Robinson Smart. She had three boys of her own, Chris, Rob and Eric. Ock and Joaine married on January 20, 1973, and became a family of nine. Family gatherings were most

important, with the most being a beautiful celebration of their 50th Wedding Anniversary, January 2023, with all the kids around the table, sharing stories and enjoying each other’s company. Having sold his Fairfield dental practice, the family relocated to Colorado Springs, CO, where Ock became a member of the Pikes Peak Dental Group and an active partner in the Benchmark Partner’s Group. Benchmark Partner’s evolved into five partners focused on commercial real estate developments in Colorado Springs, Beaver Creek, Telluride and later in Tubac, Arizona. Ock and Joanie raised their seven children in Colorado Springs. Over the years they created beautiful homes in Telluride, Phoenix and Tubac where they enjoyed wonderful and cherished times with family and friends. Ock enjoyed golf trips with his guy friends as well as many golf trips with Joanie and other couples. Ock and Joanie loved their special trips together to destinations far and wide, places like Scotland, Ireland, Coronado Island and Maui. There were many trips to Maui and that will always be “their special place.” The times they loved the most were when all their children were along for the ride, like a Caribbean cruise and a big family reunion with all the grandchildren at Fair Hills Resort in Minnesota. Giving back and helping those in need was an important part of Ock's life. He provided free dental care to the needy, helped at soup kitchens in Phoenix and worked with the Salvation Army’s summer street hydration programs. He and Joanie also delivered meals to the homebound at Christmas and enjoyed having numerous exchange students stay in their homes over the years. For over 35 years Ock and Joanie were instrumental in organizing numerous golf tournaments to raise funds for youth in need of financial aid for college expenses. These events started with the Young Life organization in Colorado Springs and went on to Telluride and The Tin Cup Golf tournament in Tubac, AZ. Countless individuals were recipients of these funds and benefitted from these special golf events. In the mid 1990’s, after retirement from dentistry, Ock and a partner started a dental insurance company. He traveled extensively, speaking with dental groups about delivering quality dental care for reasonable, fair and affordable fees. Over the years the company became very successful and in 2012 they sold the company to BlueCross/Blue Shield. In 1984, Ock and Joanne started the Peterson Family Foundation at the Iowa School of Dentistry. Funds from the Peterson Family Foundation provide a yearly financial boost to aid students in need. Ock was always a proud supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Green Bay Packers. He was a true patriot

and a devout believer in the promise of America. He always wore a U.S.A. flag pin on his lapel and was a tremendous storyteller. He enjoyed his cigars, a cold beer, and a round of golf with friends. He also enjoyed deep discussions about the world and visiting with his grandchildren about their plans for the future. Ock had a no nonsense midwestern work ethic, strong family values, and a deep respect for the dignity of his fellow man. He made a positive impact on the lives of countless people throughout his life and in the communities he served. Ock truly enjoyed his time with Joanie and their many friends as they traveled in the U.S. and destinations abroad. He especially enjoyed his time with his big, beautiful family of children, spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ock and Joanie were married 51 years and built a circle of love and family that will never be broken. His patients knew him as Dr. Peterson, his friends knew him as Ock, his children knew him as Dad, and his grandchildren knew him as Poppy. He was a good man with a big heart, and he left a legacy of love, sacrifice, and leadership for generations to come. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Ock leaves behind his wife Joanie, their children, Tim (wife Joan), Anne (husband Mitch), Chris (wife Julie), Sam, (husband Tom), Rob (wife Maria), Rachel (partner Peter), and Eric (wife Karen). He also leaves his grandchildren, Jeremiah (wife Natasha), Jessie, Kyle, Theodore, Bradley, Henry, Holden, Alex, Mitchell, Wyatt, Hannah and Avery. And great grandchildren, Rania and Virginia.

The family is planning a private celebration of his life on the anniversary of his birth, June 15th, 2024. Donations are being accepted in his name by the Benchmark Foundation of Tubac. P.O. Box 4012, Tubac, AZ 85646

(501-C3 Non-profit Tax ID #31309)