Robert "Bob" Peterson

Robert "Bob" Peterson, age 84, of Chetek, WI died Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at
Lakeview Medical Center in Rice Lake, WI with his family by his side.

Bob was born March 26, 1927 in Chippewa County, WI to Henry and Irma (Colbert) Peterson. He was raised in the New Auburn area and in 1944 joined the Merchant Marines for two years. "Uncle Sam" drafted Bob into the Army in 1950, but before he went overseas, he was married in Pine City, MN to the girl of his dreams, LaVerne Marik on July 22, 1950 and they now have been married for almost 62 wonderful years. He served 15 months as a staff sergeant in Korea earning two bronze stars as well as several other metals. Bob was very proud of his military service and was a member of the VFW and the American Legion. He served many years on the Military Honor Squad and was a precision Flag Folder up until about two months ago.

Upon returning to the states; Bob and LaVerne started their family and he went to work for 20 years as a truck driver for Gate Way Transportation out of Milwaukee. Bob ended up retiring from Pie transportation in 1986 having been a teamster for over 30 years.

The Peterson family lived in Cudahy, WI for 32 years and in 1990, he and LaVerne moved to Chetek to enjoy fishing, playing cards, golfing and spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bob loved people and people loved him. His personality was genuine and he had quite the sense of humor.

Bob is survived by his wife, LaVerne of Chetek; three children, Julie (Robert) Stangle of Chetek, Jeffrey (Rebecca) Peterson of Duluth, GA and Mary (Robert) Flaherty of Evansville, WI; one sister, Mary Peterson of Eau Claire; two sisters-in-law, Sharon Robinson of Silver Bay, MN and Lorraine Peterson of Eau Claire; one brother-in-law, Dale Kulzer of Bethel, MN; eight grandchildren, Erin (Scott) DeVita, Robby (Brianne) Stangle and Mark (finance' Dawn Puetz) Stangle, Megan Peterson, Dana Peterson, Caitlin Flaherty, Cassandra (Ben) White and Connor Flaherty; four great grandchildren, Anthony DeVita, Lexi Theriault, Liam White and Abby Stangle; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Donald; one sister, Susan Kulzer; two brothers-in-law, Marvin Robinson and Arlyn Marik; and one sister-in-law, Bernice Marik.

A Memorial Service will take place at 1:00 P.M. Friday, March 23, 2012 at Chetek Lutheran Church in Chetek with Pastor Guy Redfield officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. until time of service at the church.

Burial of Cremation Remains will follow the service at Dovre Lutheran Cemetery, rural Chetek, WI with military honors by the Chetek American Legion and V.F. W. Post.