Robert Peterson

Robert E. Peterson, Spencer, Iowa, passed away suddenly at Riverview Terrace Assisted Living on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012.

Graveside services were held on Friday, Oct. 5, at Laurens Cemetery, Laurens, Iowa.

Robert Emanuel Peterson, son of Gustav and Christine Peterson, was raised on the family farm by Albert 

City.  There he attended country school through the eighth grade.  He then helped on the family farm until going into the service.  He served in the Marine Corps from Feb. 1944-May 1946.  On Oct. 19, 1946, he married Elda Pietz.  Together they had three children, Barbara, Debra and Gary.

Bob worked for M&JR Hakes in Laurens and later had various jobs in sales.  They lived in Albert City until 1989 when they moved to Spencer.  Elda passed away in 1999 after a lengthy battle with cancer.  Bob moved to Riverview Terrace Assisted Living in June 2011.  There he enjoyed being part of the bell choir and took pride in helping out with the daily folding of linens.

Bob loved fishing, playing cards, cooking and watching RFD TV.  He was proud of the time he served his country and enjoyed being able to participate in the VFW and the Legion.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Elda.

Bob is survived by his daughters: Barbara Jessen of Sac City, and her children, Melissa (Jason) Senecaut of Des Moines, Ryan (Donna) Jessen, Wall Lake, and Melanie (Bob) Babe of Sac City; Deb (Dwight) Abel of Greenville and their children, Jamie (Clara) Abel and Aaron Abel, all of Greenville; son, Gary (Tracy) Peterson, of Clear Lake and their children, Grant, Cedar Falls, and Trudy, Clear Lake.  Great grandchildren: Makayla, Jayden, and Jackson Senecaut; Maxwell, Cassidy Jessen; and Jacob Abel.  One brother, Marshall (Jan) Peterson, Albert City; sister-in-law, Vi Rukes, Spencer; brother-in-law, Milt (Jeanne) Pietz, Scottsdale, Az.; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Lois Koenig, Royal.