Robert Eugene Petersen was born on Oct. 23, 1929, in Freeborn County, the son of Mike and Clara (Larsen) Petersen. Robert graduated from Albert Lea High School in the class of 1947. He worked for Sears Roebuck until he enlisted into the United States Air Force. He served for four years, mostly in Germany during the Korean War. He married Ramona Myran on July 6, 1952. Bob attended Austin Community College and Austin Technical College. After college he worked for Weum Electric and Streater Industries until he started his own electrical business in 1967, Petersen Electric. Bob retired in 1984 after suffering a stroke. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time at the lake with his family.

Bob was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea where he served on church council and was a member of the ushers club. He also belonged to the American Legion, Elks, and Masons. Bob and his wife Ramona moved to Alexandria in May of 1998 and have since joined Bethesda Lutheran Church.

Robert Eugene Petersen died on July 15, 2005 at Knute Nelson Memorial Home in Alexandria at the age of 75.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Roscoe; and an infant brother, Everett.

Bob is survived by his wife, Ramona Petersen of Alexandria; his children: Brenda and Matthew

Callstrom of Rochester, Jan and Bruce Leland of Alexandria; Richard and Lory Petersen of Albert Lea, and Mary Petersen of Alexandria; six grandchildren: Joseph and Peter Callstrom of Rochester, Molly and Maggie Leland of Alexandria, and Tyler and Chelsea Petersen of Albert Lea; sisters:

Francis Roberts and Verna Helland, both of Albert Lea; and nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, July 19, at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Alexandria, with the Rev. Neil Olson officiating at 11 a.m. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, and for one hour before the service at the church. Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery.

Casket Bearers are Jonathan Troe, James Troe, Paul Troe, James Huston, Eugene Helland and John Yocom.