I was saddened to hear of Dr. Pehler’s passing.  He was an amazing dr!  You knew he truly cared about your full wellbeing!  One visit stands out.  I was sad and started to cry.  He pulled a chair up close to me and we talked through what was going on.  We came up with a plan together to get better.  No surgeon I have known had such an amazing bedside manner.  The last time I visited with him he celebrated my health progress with me.  He was such a caring dr and was always willing to explain and answer any questions.  I am so thankful that because of him I am healthy and active again!  I have referred so many people I know to him due to his kind nature.  He will be missed not just as a great doctor but a super caring human being!  

Becky, Fred, Katie and family-

I was devastated to learn of stephen’s passing. Though it has been close to 14-15 years since we last spoke, Stephen’s friendship through high school and support as we both perused medical careers made an undeniable impact on me. I am heartbroken for you all and will be praying for you and Jack. Additionally I look forward to supporting the Lorna Breen foundation in his honor. 

Anna Doering Shafer

Hanging out before a football game

The world has lost an incredible doctor and surgeon. I will miss his great smile. I loved his compassion. He did an awesome job with my surgery as well as my sister in laws. She sends her condolences.

I don't know where to begin Dr. Pehler performed a few surgeries on me with the first being the surgery that saved my life. He was not just my surgeon, he was my friend and my hero. No other surgeon has ever provided a personal cell phone so that he could answer my questions whenever I needed. The medical community has lost a talented physician, his family has lost a great family man and heaven just gained an angel. Til we meet again my friend, peace to all who loved you!

My deepest condolences to the family of my great orthopedic physician, Dr. Pheler.  I will always remember his professionalism( he appeared so young when I first met him ) his patience and kindness. I will miss him and that smile he showed with each visit. May he Rest In Peace.

It is with much sadness I am sending condolences to everyone. I pray that your special memories bring comfort and healing to  all.  He was an extraordinary human and I had the absolute pleasure to have Dr. Pehler as my surgeon last year for 3 procedures and the journey we had together left me grateful for his care, compassion, kindness and friendship.  I always said I was his Achilles heel with my situation and he assured me differently.  I saw him sometimes 2 or 3 times a week throughout the better part of 2022.  He was always patient and  made me feel like I was his only concern. I can close my eyes and hear the clicking of his shoes as he hurriedly made it to my room, I knew he was getting close and everything was going to be ok, we were always met with a smile and he would sit and take whatever time was necessary.  He always gave me and my husband reassurance we needed during some difficult times. Calling and texting to check on me was his normal, it didn’t matter that it was the evening or weekend. He always  cared so much. We trusted him completely and want you to know he changed my life for the better. I  would tell him what a blessing he truly was and that I knew God put me in his hands. I can see him fixing lots of angel wings in heaven and addressing them all with his yes mam and yes sir. We shared many conversations about the people he loved and the things he enjoyed doing and knew he lived and loved with passion. He would light up talking about Jack and loved reading him bedtime stories, it was a highlight in his day. He was true gift and we were all blessed to have had him in our lives. He will forever remain in my heart. 

I am so sorry for the Pehler family loss and medical community. I only had neck surgery bc of him and his relationship w my mother. I would text him at random times to visit my mom in the hospital or if he could see me to help my hands. He was like a buddy to me always having that comfy bed side manner. That security blanket of having to text him with needing a referral or to see my mom or family is gone. He only operated on me one time but was an instant friend. 

I was so sorry to hear about that beautiful soul leaving us way to soon.  He was on a mission to heal me. We went through a lot together, seeing me through the worst time of my life.  After next surgery I went into cardiac arrest, and was brought back to life by the team.  Dr. Pehler came to see me everyday. Felt horrible about what happened, even though it wasn't his fault, he supported me throughout a month stay in the ICU. Seeing his face and that sly smile  everyday, and that dry sense of humor, he  saved me. I wish I could've saved him. I was so grateful to have him as my Dr.,  He also operated on my sister and nephew. He was family. I will miss him dearly, and pray that his family stay strong and know that he was loved by so many. ❤️ 

Dr Pehler was the most caring and compassionate surgeron that I met in USA. The biggest lost for many many patients. My condolences to every member of his family for this enormous lost. 

I worked with Dr. Pehler at the hospital in Aurora. He was quite simply the kindest doctor I have ever worked for. I remember my first encounter with him, I was doing therapy with one of his patients when he entered and said " oh I will come back, what you are doing is more important." I have never had a doctor be so respectful. Another time, he entered when I was changing a patient's sheets. Without saying a word, he put down his papers and helped me change a patient's bedding. He was always approachable, smiling and patient. He has been constantly on my mind since I heard the news. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. 

I met Stephen on his first day at the hospital in September of 2016. We would round together on his patients that were recovering from surgery. Over the years, we developed a great working relationship with mutual respect for each other. A little over a year ago, I took a different position at the hospital, and one of my commitments was to provide education for patients prior to their surgery. I enjoyed interacting frequently with his patients, Stephen, and his staff.  His patients all thought very highly of him.

He would come and sit next to me in the physician lounge for lunch. Every time I saw him he would say “what’s up!“ and then give a big ole’ smile that I will always remember. We used to talk about our pets and compare stories! He called them his special needs pets! He adored his son Jack and would grin from ear to ear when talking about him.

I have been trying to wrap my head around his death for the last two weeks. I will remember him for his infectious smile, kindness, knowledge, spirit, and the passion he had for being a spine surgeon. He was very skilled at what he did, and as you know from patient comments, he treated each one like they were the only person in the world.

My deepest condolences to you and your family. He touched so many lives and i feel blessed to have worked with him. I am glad you have set up contributions for the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation. I think both of you would would make great ambassadors.  

Dr Pehler gave me my quality of life back!!!!!

I went to other doctors and specialists and they just didn’t listen to me on how I was living my life.

I was referred to Dr. Pehler by my brother and my first visit with him was life changing. He sat with me and went over my MRI and x-ray explaining everything in a way I could understand. I thought “ Finally a Dr that is listening to me and has a plan to help me”. I couldn’t have been more amazed by his approach to my diagnosis and how His professionalism, demeanor and the way he presented himself was comforting. I was scheduled for surgery a couple of weeks later and to this day I am enjoying life for the first time in years.

I was crushed to hear the news that I needed to find another Dr/Surgeon to follow up with. I am at a loss on who I can find to fill the shoes of this man.

Thank you for allowing me the time to express my gratitude to this great man!!!!

Orthopedic Residency Graduation

I was surprised to learn of Dr Pehler's passing. Whenever I had office visits with him he was happy, cheerful and upbeat. I was having difficulties with my spine issues and seeing him gave me a pick me up that things would get better. I chose Dr Pehler because he made me feel, safe, informed and cared for. It was a feeling of warmth. After my procedure I was so improved and happy. It was a life changer for me. My deepest condolences to his family. 

My deepest condolences to Dr. Pehler's family, friends, colleagues, patients, and all whose life he touched.  He did my daughter's neck surgery last year.  He showed great care and understanding to the fears any surgery brings to a patient.  He was kind and explained everything to us.   Rest in Peace Doc.

Stephen as Chief Resident Graduation — with Family

I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am for your loss 😓Stephen was my moms doctor and then became my doctor.he was such an amazing doctor with so much talent I trusted him so much !!! He was empathetic patient kind the list goes on and on and on !!!!! I remember he was about to take my mom back for surgery and I was really freaking out and I just said can I please speak to the doctor for a minute, and he took the time to just come talk to me come explain everything to me, and make me feel so comfortable with my mom‘s life in his hands!! he even gave my mom his personal phone number just in case she had any problems after the operation and my mom probably called him 1000 times and every time he answered politely patiently kindly !!!! She even said, let me call Dr. pehler  to ask him about your back, and I said no Mom you can’t do that 🥴 but I’m sure he would’ve completely understood…. I always felt such a peace with him !! I’m here sobbing  over all your beautiful pictures and I decided to make a tic toc dedicated to him for you and your family please look it up under # Stephen Pehler md🩷 I will pray for you and your family and I know you will meet in the clouds again !!!!

Dr. Pehler went out of his way to both educate and encourage patients and their family members. After meeting with multiple surgeons, Stephen was an answer to prayer. He was talented beyond explanation. Our family will live a better life with a dad who’s back is getting stronger everyday! His compassion and care made me feel so much more at ease as I trusted him to help repair my husband’s spine. He was the type of guy that made you feel like a friend almost instantly. I will forever be grateful for his expertise. More importantly, he cared for those around him. He will definitely be missed by many. Know that we will be striving to love people in the same ways. We are grateful we got to bump into him in this life. Sending hugs and love to the Pehler family. 

I know that you do not know me but I wanted to share my condolences and support for your whole family. November 8th, 2022, Dr Pehler changed my life. Dr Pehler was an amazing doctor and one of the very best people I have ever met. I have never seen a doctor (and more importantly a specialist) that cared so much for his patients. He was so thorough in his explanation and encouraging going into surgery. He fixed a big problem I had been dealing with for over 15 years that was compounded by 2 very bad surgeries in my past. The loss of Dr Pehler is devastating to the medical community. However, I know it is nothing compared to the loss you are experiencing now. He was a great person long before and far above being a great doctor. My heart breaks for your loss. He will be missed by so many people. My prayers are with you all.

Family Hike — with Stephen, Katie, Anthony and Fred and Becky