Robert William Peterson was born in Rolla North Dakota on July 29, 1941 and died on November 25 2018. He was one of eight children brought into the world by Olger Peterson and Mae Peterson (nee Richardson). He is survived by his daughter Tonya (Shawn) Neider; his son Rusty (Brenda) Peterson, his grandchildren Megan and Connor; his sisters Shirley Heartso, Sharon Albrecht, and Alice Albrecht; and his brother Fred Peterson.
Robert (formal), Bob (informal), Pete (teaching nickname) and Jake (family and North Dakota) are all names he was known by. Jake was raised on a rural farm near Hansboro, North Dakota where he helped out on the farm (while reading his comic books) and in the kitchen. He enjoyed the freedom of farm life and loved to hunt and trap muskrat and mink. Shooting clothespins off the line was one way to hone his marksmanship, but somehow between Jake’s being a prankster and having a gun, his sister Sharon ended up with a pellet in her hand!
Robert graduated Valedictorian from the High School in Hansboro, and went on to pursue a degree in Education at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks ND. He pursued summer construction work in Colorado working for his brother Don and his Brother in Law John (J & D Construction). After college he moved to Collbran CO to teach industrial arts. He met Patricia Van Osdel and married soon after. Following their dream to live in Alaska, they made it as far northwest as Winlock, WA and Robert taught school in Napavine. Tonya was born in Chehalis in 1967. In 1969 Bob and Pat returned to sunny Colorado and Pete taught Industrial Arts at Northeast Jr. High School and raised a family. Rusty was born in 1971.
Bob’s past times included hunting, fishing, camping, wood working, working as a mechanic, spending time with family and playing cards. He enjoyed the fellowship with friends and family while hunting, and didn’t care if he brought home game. Fishing, however, could become competitive. He was extremely proud of the 34 pound Lake Trout that adorned the wall in his office/ bedroom. Fish fries and stories were always fondly remembered! Summers were filled with family camping trips to Taylor Park and beyond! Long voyages to CA, OR, WA, and BC; South Dakota and North Dakota; Yellowstone and Montana all included the kids on a bus seat mounted in the bed of Little Pony (the blue Datsun) towing the pop-up camper! What memories! Rusty and Tonya recall many long weekends being lost to the shop at NE Jr. High where Bob and Pat took on projects including but not limited to end tables, lamps, tv stands, a bed, dressers, cabinets, magazine racks, trash cans, bowls, vases, jewelry cases, and mug holders. The kids also lost a year of weekend fun to the wonderful kitchen and music studio addition that everyone enjoys. In the midst of these events, Bob reupholstered the kitchen chairs and living room couches. Dad was also a weekend mechanic who worked on his vehicles, his kids vehicles, lawn mowers, roto tillers, snow mobiles, and the occasional motorcycle. Every mechanic weekend involved bloody fingers and a few choice words.
While Dad was raising the family, Sundays were family days. Friends could come over but Tonya and Rusty were required to stay at home. This is where they learned their love of cards – Whist, Canasta, Pinochle, Oh Hell, and International Rummy were favorites. Jake looked forward to Holidays and other days spent with the Peterson’s where he enjoyed the pinochle tournaments with winners and losers tables! In his later years, Bob was fascinated with the game of Double Head that he learned from Tonya’s German friend Corina.
During the last years of Pat’s life, Bob became more involved in church life. The family at St. Stephens embraced Pat, and delighted in Bob’s construction skills, giving heart, humor, and love of the outdoors.
Bob, Robert, Jake or Pete will live on in our hearts as an avid outdoorsman, talented wood worker, amazing father, and fantastic husband. Anyone who knew him felt lucky to know him as an acquaintance or a friend. He will be missed beyond measure by all, but his memories will always make us smile! Play another hand of cards Dad. You are loved.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 10828 N. Huron Street, Northglenn, CO 80234.
Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, December 7, 2018 at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, 10828 Huron Street, Northglenn, Colorado.
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