I often think about how blessed I am to be walking around (painlessly!) because of Dr. Pehler’s talent and skill. I’m so grateful for him. 

ey players in the Goodwin lab (6/28/04). Top Row (l to r): Yongjiang Li, Carma Cook, Stephen Pehler, Neil Varnado. Bottom Row (l to r): Kim Laband, Rue Baker. (photographer: Dr. G.)

I was a patient of Dr. Pehler and had my fourth back surgery done by him December 2022. When I was told that I needed an immediate back surgery, I searched out my options. My work health insurance had just added a supplement insurance to our program called Surgery Plus. If we use this supplement, and it is a covered type of procedure, you use one of their many approved doctors with location in almost every state in the country, it pays 100% for the doctor and facility. Unfortunately living in western South Dakota (Rapid City, SD.) there was no doctor or facility that was covered by Surgery Plus.  So, to be covered 100% for my procedure, I had to travel out of state. I could go to any doctor on their list or any state as long as the facility was an approved facility (which there was literally hundreds). I spend quite a bit of time researching facilities and most importantly doctors.  As this was my "fourth" back surgery and I was in a lot of pain and visiting emergency clinics often for spinal injections to help keep the pain manageable. But the pain got to be unbearable and was told I needed surgery and sooner the better. So, after a long exhausting search, it brought me to Dr. Pehler. I researched his qualifications and achievements. One thing stood out to me, other than his training and achievements. I had decided to go to Colorado to have my surgery, since there were many facilities that were on the Surgery Plus approved places, and it was the closet to my home. But when researching doctors, it was important to me that I find a doctor that was skilled, qualified and came with good references. One of the things I did during my research was to read every approved doctor's (in the locations/state I was considering going to) reviews from actual patience. One thing stood out to me, and it was the firsthand experience from current and past patients. When I read the posted patient reviews (I read them all), I found that every single one of them was positive and they all recommended him. Many past patience highly recommended him. Yes, I did find some other doctors with great experience and well trained. But most of them had a few bad reviews and some of those were not due to their skill, but their bedside manner. All in all, after reviewing all the reviews of every qualified spinal surgeon in Colorado, I decided on Dr. Pehler. So, I went to Denver and had my surgery on December 19, 2022.  Dr. Pehler was every bit the great doctor that I had read hundreds of reviews about. He was very kind, caring and explained in detail as to what he was going to do and what he actually done. His bedside manner was excellent, and he followed up with me often. They wanted to keep me in the hospital until after Christmas, then release me. I asked him if there was any way I could get out of the hospital by December 23rd as long as I didn't drive so I could spend Christmas Eve and Christmas with my grandsons in Tucson, Arizonia. He wasn't sure about me traveling that far after just having major back surgery and me having few drains coming out of my back. He said he would think about it and talk more about it after he seen how I was responding after the surgery. A couple of days after my surgery he came into my room and asked where I wanted to travel too again and how far. I told him Tucson, Arizonia, but he wasn't crazy about me going that far so soon. One of the major hurdles was the drain tubes coming out of my back. He said that as long as I had these, he could not release me. The plan was to see how draining from the tubes were going on December 22nd. The drains were still draining so they could not be removed on the 22nd. He then came back later and said that if I did not drive at all, and made planned stops often along the way he would see that I was released on December 22nd so I could be in Tucson to be with my grandkids for the holiday. He said that he was going to have me released from the hospital the evening of December 22nd with the drain tubes still in place. Then he wanted me to stop by his office in south Denver the early morning of December 23rd and he would take out the drain tubes if the draining appeared stopped. If they had not stopped draining, he had collaborated with a doctor in Tucson Arizonia which was a friend and colleague to have the drain tubes removed there. I went to his office the early morning of December 23rd (which was closed for the holiday as far as seeing patients- he came in just for me!). He decided that the drains seem to have stopped, and he removed the drains right there in his office for me. So, we discussed how often I needed to stop, how far between stops and how long each stop needed to be. Then he wanted me to stay put in Tucson for at least a week before driving (riding as a passenger) back to Rapid City, SD. So, I told him I would stay in Tucson and recover until the week after the new year. I can't even begin to tell you how amazing this doctor was. What doctor comes into their office on their day off (and a major holiday week) to do this for their patient? He even followed up with me to make sure my trip was going well. I am deeply saddened to hear the news of his passing. He was a great doctor, and an example of how other doctors should be. His kindness set a good example for all of us to live by. I am sending my deepest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace Dr. Pehler, you made a difference in many people's lives......including mine!

I was a patient of Dr. Pehler and just learned of his passing. He transformed my life when he performed a procedure on my spine and I couldn’t be more grateful. My deepest condolences for what I’m sure is still a heartbreaking loss. I’m so sorry. 

You are so very missed by myself. You did all my spine surgeries and I needed more to go and I found out you died I broke down in tears. This is months and years ago seems like forever but I still find myself crying cuz I need work done and it trusted him so to his family to his son to his kids mostly and his wife like even my condolences and I wish you the very best. Dr Pehler was more than a doctor to me he was somewhat of a friend.  I have no idea how he died and I still wondered to this day but he's loved and he's missed by many people but by myself Michael Gray especially God rest you in heaven,Amen 

I just heard of this terrible loss today and felt moved to send my condolences. I collaborated with Stephen as a colleague and was always so impressed with his care of my patients that I even sent my husband to him when he required a spine surgery. His thoughtful care, gentle demeanor and attention to detail with his patients was unmatched. He was an excellent surgeon, a kind man and I was truly saddened to hear of his passing. His gifts and presence will be missed but the incredible impact he had on so many will certainly live on. Sending prayers and love to his family and friends. 

Two years ago today I awakened from an anesthesia  induced stupor to see Dr. Pehler’s smiling  face looking at me.  I smiled and told him my sciatica pain was gone for the first time in years.  His surgery has helped me so much that I think of him every day.  You are loved and missed Stephen.  Thank you for the lifelong gift that you gave me in your surgical expertise and kindness.  

My condolences to Stephen's family. I first met Dr Pehler when he did my first back and then my second back surgery.  I miss him very much. He was always available through text or in person. He was always caring and I can't believe he is not here. Again, I miss him so very much. 

I’m so sad to hear this news. I was your patient and you were a gifted surgeon. Our “ Doogie Hauser”.  Many condolences to your family. May you RIP. 

Although I never met Dr. Pehler, I saw several of his patients as I do independent medical examinations in addition to having a private practice.  What always stood out to me was that his patients loved him.  I certainly could tell from his records and in speaking to his patients that he was a caring and especially competent surgeon.  And in reading his bio, I would add brilliant. You will be greatly missed, Dr. Pehler.

I realize I'm posting this condolence later than most. It took me this long to find the right words. Dr. Pehler was my doctor for 7 years. My surgery was delayed due to chemotherapy treatments. Since we were close in age, over those years he became my friend. He would check in to make sure my treatments were going okay. He celebrated with me when I was finally in remission.  I always looked forward to our appointments and phone calls. He was such a kind, caring and compassionate person. He made any orthopedic obstacle seem possible, and alleviated all the worries I had about surgery. Now that I'm finally able to schedule, I'm sad he won't be here to celebrate this milestone with me. He had such a huge impact on not only me, but all of his patients, as evidenced in everyone's comments. I hope his family, friends and loved ones can take comfort in their memories of him and the kind words shared here. 

Both my husband & I were patients of Dr. Pehler. I remember the day he walked into the room with that grin and said "You should buy a lotto ticket today, your MRI shows great news" he proceeded to explain the natural fusion that saved me from surgery. My husband had a super successful surgery 9/30/23. We were to be discharged the next day when complications from anesthesia caused a setback. On day 3 of his recovery Dr. Pehler stopped in between patients, took one look at me, gave me a hug with a "are you ok?"  He gave us both the hope we had lost that we were in fact going to be ok. We are still reeling from his loss, there is no replacement for a Dr. like him. May the memories you have bring joy to you & your family. Prayers & hugs.

— with Dad and Stephen

— with Stephen and Mom

Stephen marketing ad for Spine Surgery — with Dr. Stephen Frederick Pehler

Disney, Florida Cinderella’s Castle — with Stephen and Katie

Thinking of you at this time! 

Dennis Blackburn