Dr. Rodney K. Peterson

Dr. Rodney Keller Peterson lived a remarkable life of service—to his country, his patients, his community, and his fellow veterans.

Rodney was born September 12, 1917, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the son of Alvin B. and Bess Viola (Keller) Peterson. He attended the University of Wisconsin, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1938 and his medical degree in 1940. He then completed a one-year internship at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond.

With the United States entering World War II, Dr. Peterson's medical career quickly became intertwined with military service. In early 1942, he was appointed an assistant surgeon in the United States Navy. Federal records confirm his appointment as a Navy assistant surgeon with the rank of Lieutenant (junior grade), effective January 5, 1942.

Dr. Peterson received training in tropical medicine and aviation medicine and became a Naval Flight Surgeon. During the war, he served with the Marines in the South Pacific, including at Guadalcanal, and later served as a surgeon aboard an aircraft carrier.

By the time he was discharged from the Navy in 1947, Peterson had attained the rank of Commander.

Following his military service, Dr. Peterson returned to Wisconsin and established his medical practice in Stoughton. He became a familiar and respected family physician in the community, eventually maintaining his professional office at 108 S. Division Street.

His experiences during the war influenced his approach to medicine back home. Dr. Peterson was among the area's early physicians to encourage patients to begin moving soon after surgery rather than remaining confined to bed for extended periods. He also introduced the concept of natural childbirth with fathers present throughout labor and delivery—an approach that was far from commonplace at the time.

His dedication to medicine continued throughout his career. In 1973, Dr. Peterson was named a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, earning the right to use the designation FAAFP. The distinction recognized advanced professional achievement and continuing education in family medicine.

Dr. Peterson's commitment to service extended beyond his medical practice. As a World War II veteran, he became active with American Legion Post 59 in Stoughton and served as Post Commander in 1951, only a few years after returning home from military service.

Rodney married Janet Maude Nelson on June 20, 1942, and they raised five children. Following Janet's death in 1964, Rodney married Frances Louise Keller on June 24, 1965. Rodney and Fran spent most of their life together in Stoughton and enjoyed extensive travel during their later years.

After decades of caring for people in the Stoughton area, Dr. Peterson retired from medical practice in 1981.

Dr. Rodney K. Peterson died on October 20, 2006, at Skaalen Home in Stoughton at the age of 89. He was laid to rest at Roselawn Memorial Park in Monona.

From the battlefields of the South Pacific to a doctor's office in Stoughton, Dr. Peterson devoted much of his life to caring for others. His service as a Naval Flight Surgeon during World War II, his decades as a local physician, and his leadership as Commander of American Legion Post 59 make his story an important part of both Post 59 and Stoughton's history.

We remember Dr. Rodney K. Peterson—physician, Navy veteran, community servant, and Commander of American Legion Post 59.