Paul S. Bergeson, MD

PAUL S. BERGESON, MD

Paul S. Bergeson was born September 27, 1938, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Eldred and Ethel Bergeson. As a child he had an active and adventurous spirit. He did well in school, and attended Brigham Young University for undergrad. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in North Germany, where he loved the language and the people. He married Marie Lynn Penrod on July 1, 1963, in the Salt Lake Temple. They have six children. He attended medical school at the University of Utah, graduating with honors, and specializing in pediatrics. During the Vietnam War, he served in the US Army at Fort Lee, Virginia, treating families of soldiers. He finished a fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.

After the army, Paul practiced as a pediatrician at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, where he served as Director of Pediatrics. Paul loved people, and as a pediatrician, he especially loved children. Because of that, in 1980, he was instrumental in creating Phoenix Children's Hospital, an accomplishment that brought him great joy. Medicine was his passion.

He loved to talk to anyone about any topic, and his wealth of knowledge included vast areas of interest. He loved being active and in the outdoors. Taking his family snow skiing and water skiing were the highlights of his life. He also enjoyed reading, art and music and was a talented artist and pianist. He especially enjoyed serving with the youth in church, having fun with and mentoring them. His laugh was boisterous and infectious.

His later years posed a unique challenge, as he faced the last 20 years with frontotemporal dementia. To the end he kept his good nature, his sense of humor, and his love of people.

Paul is survived by his Marie Bergeson; children: Teri (John) Jones, Susan Sampson, Becky Kreutz, Karen (Bosse) Hatten, Amy (Matt) Etherington, David (Amy) Bergeson; 18 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren and his sister, Sharon (Brad) Brown. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Brett and  his granddaughter, Raquel.

The family would like to thank the many friends who have enriched our lives and helped whenever needed. Hospice of the Valley staff and particularly his nurse, Angela, provided compassionate care for Paul. Also, special thanks to caregivers Zoi and Marco for their many years of loving care. In lieu of flowers, donations to Phoenix Children's Hospital or to Hospice of the Valley, in his name, would be appreciated.

Family and friends are invited to gather at his public memorial service, 11:00 A.M., Saturday, September 24, 2022, at the Tempe South Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1111 E. Knox Road in Tempe, Arizona. The private family inurnment and graveside service with Military Honors will be at The National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix.

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