Robert Milton Petersen

Robert Milton Petersen, affectionately known as Bob, passed away on June 21, 2024 in Alexandria, Minnesota. Born on June 20, 1939, in Arlington, South Dakota to parents Milton and Eleanora Petersen, Bob led a remarkable life.

A proud graduate of Arlington High School in South Dakota, Bob continued his academic journey by studying Microbiology at South Dakota State University. He obtained his Bachelor's degree in 1961, demonstrating his commitment to excellence and learning. He pursued a career as a Microbiologist at Belgrade Superior Feeds and Willmar Poultry Company, where he devoted many years of service. He found joy in being a 'Turkey Doctor' and valued the relationships he built with his customers over the years.

Bob and his High School sweetheart, Doreen, were married on December 28, 1958 and together the couple welcomed two children, Ronda and Terry. In 1963, they moved to Belgrade and raised their family. After retirement, Bob and Doreen relocated to Alexandria. Together they enjoyed 65 years of marriage.

Outside of work, Bob was a devoted family man. He was a dedicated father to his children Ronda (Brian) Bayer and Terry (Sherri) Petersen, a proud grandfather to Chelsea (Samantha) Bayer, Caitlin (Tyler) Bayermann, Jennifer Petersen, Nicole Petersen, and Benjamin Petersen, and a cherished great-grandfather to his “little dudes”—Kellen Bayer and Henrik Bayermann.

In his leisure time, Bob found solace in various hobbies such as baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, canoeing, horse shows, and watching sports. His favorite retreat was the cabin on Games Lake in Sunburg where he created lasting memories with his family.

Bob will be missed by his siblings, Darrel Petersen and Diane Christensen, as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Eleanora Petersen, and siblings Ronald Petersen, Dennis Petersen, Vernon Petersen, Donna Hoyer, and Larry Petersen. 

A Celebration of Life open house will be held from 3:30 to 5:30 pm on July 11th, 2024 at Grand Arbor in Alexandria (MN). This 19th Hole gathering will be an opportunity for all whose lives were touched by Bob to come together and share memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bob's memory may be made to Pheasants Forever.