Robert L. "Bob" Petersen, 89, formerly of North Platte, NE, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, surrounded by loved ones in Kansas City, MO.
Bob was born June 30, 1935, in Norcross, MN, to Lloyd R. and Mildred M.(Winders) Petersen. He grew up in Russell, MN, graduating from Russell High School in 1953. Bob attended South Dakota State University for two years before joining the U.S. Air Force, progressing to the rank of captain. Following active duty, he enrolled at North Dakota State University, graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering while flying for the North Dakota Air National Guard.
On July 27, 1957, Bob married Arleen J. Larson in Tyler, MN. Together, they raised three boys: Todd, Jon, and Marc. In 1963, the family moved to North Platte. Bob worked at Nebraska Dept. of Roads for two years, followed by a 30-plus year career with Nebraska Public Power District, retiring in 1996.
Bob was very active in his church and community. He was a 60-year member of First Lutheran Church in North Platte, with many of those years as a member of the church council. Bob enjoyed being involved in his community, he was a member of the Elks Club, Platte Valley Lodge #32AF & AM and North Platte Shrine Club, various barbershop quartet groups, and the North Platte Community Playhouse. After retirement from NPPD, he served on the board of directors of the Central Nebraska Public Power District from 1997 until 2020.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Arleen; son, Jon; his parents; and great-grandson, Nolan Petersen.
Bob is survived by his children, Todd (Diana) of Kansas City, and Marc of North Platte; four grandchildren, Sarah (Sean) Hull of Southington, CT, Carey (Ka'Ron) Johnson of Chicago, IL, Matthew (Angela) Petersen of St. John, KS, and Alanna (Matt Hardiek) Petersen, of Auburn, NE; brother, Richard (Ilene Wilson) Petersen of Westminster, CO; great-grandchildren, Alexander Hull, Abbigail Hull, Katelynn Hull, Willa Petersen, and Crosby Petersen; and his nieces and nephews.
Bob's steady presence will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Memorials are suggested to the American Red Cross in Bob's memory.
Services will be held at First Evangelical Lutheran Church at 11:00a.m., Monday, June 2. Burial with military honors is 2 p.m. at Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation is 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday June 1 at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.