Stephen Pehler, M.D., a Denver-based spine surgeon passed away on October 9, 2023, at the too-young age of 39.
Pehler had a thriving spine surgery practice in Denver, Colorado, becoming a partner just a year after moving to Colorado.
Dr. Pehler’s great goal in life was to become an orthopedic spine surgeon. A gifted student of math and science, he graduated at the top of his high school, university, and medical school classes. He was also an accomplished drummer in high school band and went on to be in the drum line at his alma mater Auburn University.
Over his too short-lived career, Dr. Pehler served a broad range of patients with spinal disorders and was highly regarded by his patients and colleagues alike. His perspectives were sought out by the medical suppliers because, in addition to a sharp mind, he brought innovative thinking to tough spine surgical problems and contributed to advancing the science of spine and orthopedic surgery.
Dr. Pehler earned an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences from Auburn University, then went directly into medical school at University of Alabama, where he was inducted into the AOA medical honors society.
Dr Pehler stayed at the University of Alabama to train in orthopedic surgery at the U of A Birmingham Medical Center.
Dr Pehler then was accepted into the spine surgery fellowship program at arguably the best spine fellowship in the country at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City under the direction of Dr. Darrel Brodke.
Besides his passion for medicine, Pehler, who was born on May 27, 1984, in Port Arthur, Texas, loved music and running—eventually participating in marathons and Iron Man triathlons.
Pehler leaves behind his son Jack, his parents, Frederick and Rebecca and his sister Katie. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law and close friend Anthony and many family members and close friends.
Hello Tracey,
I am Stephen’s Mom, Becky. Thank your tribute to Stephen. It is a gift to our family. He was an open person that was ready to share with others and be a friend as well as patient advocate.
With Stephen’s passing we were blessed to exchange emails online with his patients and learn more about his practice in restoration of the spine, disc and neck vertebra. If there is interest in developing or expanding protocols for continuance of care that Stephen pioneered, my husband Fred and I ask that you include us. We both have extensive major capital project experience in risk and program management.
Best regards,
Stephen’s Mom
Becky Pehler
Hi Becky,
I am one of the managers at OCC and worked with your son since he started with us. He was such an incredible person. My heart still hurts over all of this. He had such a huge impact on us all, and will be forever missed. Just know that his presence is still felt throughout the office daily, and he will continue to be missed. His contagious smile and laugh will be forever burned into my memory. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Jennifer
Dear Becky, we were both stunned when we heard of Stephen’s death and we have be stunned ever since. Both Joyce and I attended Stephen’s wedding in California and both had back surgeries from Stephen over the past several years. Joyce in fact was also Stephen’s realtor selling their home in Denver and purchasing their home in Parker. We never heard how Stephen passed away and we were wondering about the circumstances how it happened…if it’s awkward for you to reponds, we both understand.
We are both sincerely sorry for your loss and will remember Stephen for his kind heard and loving care he gave to Joyce and I during and after our surgeries.
Best Regards, Paul and Joyce
To the family, friends and colleagues of Dr. Pehler, this is devastating news. As a patient of Dr. Pehler, I can honestly say he was one of the best Dr.’s I’ve ever met. He operated on my lower back in Sep 2021 and made me whole again, I will be forever grateful for Dr. Pehler and his surgical ability, not to mention his kind, caring demeanor. The world has lost a great surgeon.
Rest in peace , I barely knew you as a patient, you left a (POSITIVE )impression on me. Few people do. May GOD rest your SOUL 🙏. Blessings on your children/ family!
Oh my gosh! I was a patient of Dr. Pehler as he replaces 2 disks in my neck. I wanted him to take a look at my lower back because I can’t move. Dr. Pehler had the best bedside manner and was never pushy and always listened. He was a superb surgeon and my husband and I teased that he was the current “ Doogie Hauser”. Rest in peace, Dr. Pehler. You’ll truly be missed.
I had lower back and neck surgery by Dr Pehler he was a great surgeon took a lot of my pain away. May God bless you and rest in peace, you truly be missed your in good hands 🙏
I am heartbroken, Dr. Pehler was a terrific surgeon. He operated on my back in 2018 and I have had no problems since. I was very impressed with how personable he was and how much time he took to know his patients. The day I was discharged, Mothers day he took time to see me on his way to the airport to fly out to see his Mother. Blessing on his family!
Doctor Pehler performed a microdisectomy on my L5 S1 vertebrae in 2017. I had visited with him last in 2022. Since then I moved to Houston and in the process of working with a new doctor here found out today Doctor Pehler had passed away. I am shocked. It hit me like a bag of bricks. I am so sorry for the family’s loss. Godspeed sir. And thank you for your help.
We just found out about Dr. Pehler’s passing today. We are totally devastated. We truly loved this man for his compassion, his understanding, his humor, his kindness and his excellent diagnostic and surgery skills. Dr. Pehler operated on my back twice and my neck once and saved me from becoming an invalid. We are so truly sorry about his passing and send our love and prayers to his family and his colleagues. Our deepest sympathies. This is a shock that will not be easy to get over. Joe and Una Modoni
I just heard of Dr. Pehler’s unexpected death. I was his patient through two surgeries. His expertise and care helped me through a difficult and painful time in my life. I trusted him completely to put my care as a priority for him. I cannot imagine the loss to his family and friends. God bless you all with His comfort.