Robert Allen Peterson

Peterson, Robert Allen Born October, 31, 1930, in Frederic, Wis., and passed away on April 10, 2012, from complications of Parkinson's disease. He was 81 at the time of his death. Peterson graduated from Grantsburg, Wis., High School, followed by two years with the Dayton Company, Minneapolis, and four years in the U.S. Navy. He graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1958, having been a member of the Gustavus Choir and of the College Quartet. In his senior year he served as president of the student body. Immediately following graduation he joined the Gustavus admission staff and, at the formation of the Development Office, he served on that staff until his retirement as Vice President for Development and College Relations in 1996. During this time he was active in a variety of state, church, and community activities, including membership on the board of Minnesota Public Radio, St. Peter Arts Council, Christian Concern, and President of the St. Peter Revitalization Committee. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church choir and active on various church committees for many years. He was also a longtime member of the American Swedish Institute. Among his awards were the Greater Gustavus Award in 1979, Fund Raiser of the Year in 1985 by the Minnesota Chapter of NSFRE, the ALDE Virgil Anderson Award in 1995, and the Order of the Polar Star presented to him in person by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden in 1996. Since retirement he remained active in college affairs with special interest in the Gustavus Linnaeus Arboretum. He enjoyed traveling, gardening, and attending family events, especially those involving his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Isabel Peterson; sister, Carolyn, and brother, Paul. He is survived by his wife, Ranae; his two sons, Mark (Brenda) and Kip (Heidi), and grandchildren, Erik, Cole, Aaron, and Molly; his sister, Evelyth; his brother, David; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. A memorial service will to be held at First Lutheran Church, St. Peter, MN at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 21, with visitation one hour before the service. Memorials are preferred to the Ranae J. and Robert A. Peterson Scholarship Fund at Gustavus Adolphus College, or to First Lutheran Church, St. Peter, Minn.