Bob was born to John and Rose Peterson on December 23, 1933 in Pine County, MN. Soon after, due to the Great Depression, the family moved back up to the farm near Denham, Minnesota with his four cousins who were raised by John and Rose, along with his sister Joan and brother Don.
After graduating Willow River High School, he joined in the Air Force. He often recounted the story of the first time he saw an airplane flying high in the sky, stating he knew he would be a pilot.
After serving as a Captain in the Air Force for nine years, he was honorably discharged; and utilized his passion for aviation as a Captain for American Airlines where he retired in 1993.
He was a loving husband to Cleo Ann Peterson for 47 years at the time of her passing in 2004. They had four children, Larry Peterson of Rockwall TX (deceased), Michael Peterson of Spring TX, John Peterson of Atascocita, TX (deceased), and Susan Doss of Centennial CO. He had nine grand children and nine great-grandchildren
After a long battle with Alzheimer's, he passed at the age of 85 while resting comfortably in his bed on December 30th, 2018. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Bob's at the link below.
