Charles W. Peterson

Charles William (Bill) Peterson, DDS passed away on April 6, 2014, in Fountain Hills. He was born on Jan. 3, 1922 in Ephraim, Utah.

Bill was a graduate of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry, in Los Angeles. He served in the military (U.S. Navy) in two wars, WW II and the Korean War.

Bill was a dentist for a total of 42 years -- in the U.S. Navy, Utah, California, and 31 years were in Las Vegas, Nev. He loved airplanes and during his life in Las Vegas he continued pursuing more ratings and, after completing these courses, taught Advanced Instrument Ratings and Aerobatics to a few select students on weekends.

Upon retirement from dentistry, completing the Scenic Airlines training program, at age 67 he flew part time as co-pilot for this airline that flew Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas. Also, he taught Aviation Ground School at Dixie College in St. George, Utah, where he and his wife had moved in 1987. He retired from the airline and college and he and his wife moved to Fountain Hills in 1999.

Bill is survived by his wife of 61 years, Rosemarie; daughter, Lorraine P. Cruz of Scottsdale; son, Paul C. Peterson of Nashville, Tenn.; and three grandchildren, Jake, Loukas and Katy.

Funeral services will be held at Messinger Mortuary Chapel in Fountain Hills on Thursday, April 10, at 9 a.m. with Bishop Jerry Olson of the Latter Day Saints church officiating. A military service will be at the Veterans Cemetery in Cave Creek immediately following.

The family requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix.

Arrangements entrusted to Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary.