Robert Louis "Bob" Petersen

Maryville, TN – With heavy hearts, a final toast is raised to Robert Louis “Bob” Petersen. Bob died at his home Sept. 16, 2024, succumbing to health issues. He was 67. Son of Alice V. (Finn) and Donald L. Petersen, Bob was born Dec. 7, 1956. He joined a brother, Bill Klein, and sister, Barbara, in Madison, Wisconsin. Bob’s family moved to North Fon du Lac, WI in 1957 and then to Janesville, WI in 1964.

Like many children of his era, Bob gained independence on the seat of a bicycle and pedaled to many adventures. When he was 13, one of those adventures started as an innocent bicycle ride to Thresherman’s Park north of Janesville to picnic with a friend. The boys took a hike along the narrow-gauge train tracks through the park discussing Butch Cassidy, Sundance Kid, train robberies and other things. The waning days of summer and pending return to school fueled a desire to remain immersed in the beauty of that day as long as possible. Eventually the two boys decided, since they were so close to Edgerton, why not continue riding north to Madison. What could possibly go wrong? While riding through Edgerton, a sewer grate ripped and punctured a front tire on one of the bikes threatening to end the adventure before it started. The boy’s pleas to a gas station attendant were overheard by a woman waiting at the gas pump. She directed the boys to a man who worked on bikes for neighborhood kids. Soon, Bob and his friend were back on the road. Another punctured tire was fixed by a Deerfield gas station attendant. The boys finally reached Madison near dusk with their collective bankroll of 50 cents intact. While Bob and his friend were excited about completing the ride, their parents did not share the same enthusiasm. The car ride home was uncomfortably silent but the seed had been planted. The love of a good bicycle ride stayed with Bob (and his friend) for as long as he could push the pedals. Bob’s e-bike allowed him to continue riding after his health declined.

It has been said, if you want to get to Heaven, you need to raise a little hell. Bob embraced this philosophy throughout his youth. After graduating from J. A. Craig High School in 1975, Bob did his best to let Janesville know he was around. Tearing through the streets by car or motorcycle, he grabbed every bit of gusto he could. Bob worked at A & P grocery store and various businesses, finally landing at Hormel in Beloit, WI in 1978. He joined the U. S. Navy in 1981, and was honorably discharged in 2004. His service included 3 deployments to Afghanistan with the Naval Reserves. Bob also worked for the V.A., supporting the supply chain in the Long Beach/Huntington Beach area of California. He then moved to Florida where he supervised medical equipment sterilization for the V.A. Bob retired from the V.A. and Naval Reserves. After retirement, Bob moved to Maryville, TN.

He returned to Janesville every year to visit family, bike with friends and go to Summerfest. Bob is survived by a sister, Barb, and Bill’s family. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Bill. Bob was known for his stunning nature photos and social media posts that were light and positive. No Service is planned. Bob’s wishes were that we celebrate his life, not mourn his death. Smith Funeral and Cremation - Maryville, TN is assisting. Burial will be at Eastern Tennessee State Veteran’s Cemetery. To remember Bob, donate to The Rock Trail Coalition of Rock County, WI or any charity that embraces nature.