Robert G. "Bob" Peterson

1932 - 2026

Robert "Bob" George Peterson, age 93, passed away peacefully at his home in rural Isanti on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Bob was born on February 22, 1932 at the home of his paternal grandparents in Spencer Brook Township, Isanti County, MN. His parents, Marvin and Vera (Hushower) Peterson, gave him the middle name, George, because he was born exactly 200 years after George Washington, a fun fact he mentioned whenever he was asked his birthday.

He attended country school in Oxlip and graduated from Cambridge Isanti High School in 1950. He went on to join the National Guard in the Aircraft Control and Warning Unit. After his service, he attended Minneapolis Vocational School for welding and became a Boilermaker in 1955. He worked many jobs in Minnesota, North Dakota, Fort Collins, CO, and Corpus Christie, TX. As a proud union Boilermaker, Local 647, he developed important and lasting friendships that continued long after his retirement in 1994. It was always a highlight for him to get together for breakfasts and attend the annual Christmas party with Boilermaker friends.

In 1958, he married Carmella (Van Heel) Peterson and together they raised five children. He was proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He attended sporting and music events while they were school age and as they became adults, he spent lots of time helping them with projects. Whether it was working on family cars, supporting grandchildren with go karts and race cars, or caring for their pets, he was always extremely generous with his time, talent, and resources.

Bob embraced his Swedish heritage and appreciated being able to live on the same land his ancestors settled on when they came to Minnesota in the late 1800s. He travelled to Sweden several times. The first time in 1978 was a special trip with his dad, visiting the birthplaces of his paternal and maternal grandparents. It was during that trip a special connection was made with Swedish family. Since that very first trip, his children have been able to meet and develop relationships with their beloved Swedish "cousins." Although most of Bob's family resides in Minnesota, he had special ties to his family in Indiana where his mother was born and raised. Those trips to Elkhart created wonderful memories with his cousins.

Bob could talk to anyone and everyone. His memory was incredibly sharp. He was the "go to" personal historian when a date, name or event needed to be recalled. He had a plethora of interests, ranging from playing cards and games with family, dirt track racing, travelling, reading, watching historical documentaries, political activism, storytelling, taking road trips, and helping neighbors and friends. He was a master welder and was often asked to help with welding projects in the community. He truly cared about people and the greater good. Above all things was his deep love for his family and his attentiveness to their well-being.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carm; son, Jason; brother, Jim (Faye).

He is survived by his children, Jeff, Tim (Debby), Kari (Toby), and Scott (Cathy); grandchildren, Aisha (Josh) Edwards, Jarett Peterson, Zach (Colleen) Peterson, Jake (Jess) Peterson, Mike Peterson, Ashley (Nick) Bartz, Brittni (Jake) Jensen; eight great grandchildren and one on the way. He will also be remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Celebration of Life gathering in Bob's memory will be held on Saturday, May 2nd at 11:00 A.M. at Able Hearts CCC (formerly Spencer Brook United Methodist Church), 6823 305th Lane NW, Princeton, MN 55371. Lunch will follow. A private family burial at Christ the King Catholic Cemetery, Cambridge, MN will be held later.

To know him was to love him. And to love him is to miss his sweet presence every day. Rest easy now, Dad. We love you.

Thank you to our caregiving team at St. Croix Hospice (Princeton) for their love and care through this journey.

Online condolences can be made at StrikeLifeTributes.com