Robert "Bob" L. Peterson

Robert "Bob" L. Peterson, age 84 of Stapleton, Nebraska passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Monday, August 1st, 2022. 

Robert was born in Lincoln Nebraska in 1937 to James and Lilian Marie Peterson.  When he was a young child, his family moved to a farm in Royal Nebraska.  It was hard work, but a good life for Bob and his five siblings and parents. After graduating, Bob served 10 years in the National Guard.  In 1966 Bob married Verna Birth and moved to a small farm near his parents.  There they had a daughter, Angela.  Soon after Angela was born, they moved to the Sandhills where they started ranching. Bob loved this life and the beauty the Sandhills offered.  In 1981, Bob and Verna welcomed their second child, Matthew.  In 1988 Verna passed away.  Bob remarried in 2007 to Chris and they have enjoyed life on the ranch with their dogs up until his death.

Beside the constant demand of running a ranch, Bob drove a school bus for the Stapleton Public Schools and later worked for Paulsen Construction.  Bob loved to lend a helping hand, made it a point to assist anyone who needed him, did it all with a friendly smile and no sign of it being an inconvenience.

Bob enjoyed life to the fullest and had many hobbies.  He loved fishing and being outside in his garden.  He grew quite a large garden, and we could always count on a huge harvest of very nice vegetables.  He also loved hiking and exploring new places and collected many beautiful and unique rocks on his adventures.  Bob loved the outdoors, and especially loved thunderstorms. He reported the local weather to the National Weather Service in Thedford. He loved taking photos and found many opportunities on the ranch. He even had a photo published in a Nebraska calendar. Bob will always be remembered for his love of huge bonfires and fireworks.  During the winter, Bob could often be found canning jellies or jams or baking up goodies to share with friends and family.  He also loved reading and watching old westerns.  Bob always had two or three dogs around the place, and they were like family to him.  All who knew him, knew he loved to be silly and make people laugh, he was a prankster and has left his friends and family with many humorous memories.

Robert is survived by his wife, Chris, his daughter Angela (Nicholas) Horton of Parker, Colorado; his son, Matt (Christel) Peterson of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. His grandchildren, Alex (Olivia) Horton of Goodland Kansas; Shyanne (Tyler) Clark of Wayland, Michigan; Tristan and Kenaniah Horton; Jeremiah, Elliana and Haley Peterson.  His great grandchildren Bella, Castiel Horton and Jesse Clark; and his sisters, Joan Nielson and Jean Scott.  Also nephews and nieces and other family.

Robert was preceded in death by his first wife, Verna, parents James and Lilian Marie Peterson, and his siblings, Donald Peterson, Jim Peterson, and Jerry Peterson.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 8, 2022, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with Pastor Frank Scott officiating.  Service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend at the funeral home website www.carpentermemorial.com.  Burial will follow in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens in North Platte.  Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 7th from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which has been entrusted with the arrangements.  The family has requested in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Gandy Community Church.