Robert Bob W. Peterson

Robert W. "Bob" Peterson, 84, of Bismarck, passed away peacefully after a courageous and valiant battle with cancer on April 17, 2013. A chapel service will be held on Monday at 10:00 a.m. at the Baptist Home Chapel in Bismarck with Chaplain Clyde Zimbelman officiating and funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1004 E. Highland Acres Road, Bismarck, ND, with Rev. Donna Dohrmann and Rev. Carmen Peterson officiating. Burial will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at the ND State Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, ND. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Sunday at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. Bob was born on January 18, 1929, in Williston, ND, to Carsten and Clara Solfest Peterson. He was the oldest of four boys born into the Peterson family. Bob graduated from Williston High School in 1947 where he was an outstanding athlete. After high school, he attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, where he continued to excel at sports. While at Concordia, he met Beverly Henning and they were married on September 9, 1950, in Fargo, ND. He graduated from Concordia in 1951 with a degree in education. Upon graduation, Bob was drafted into the United States Army and served from 1951 – 1953 during the Korean War. Bob began his teaching and coaching career in Alamo, ND, in 1953. From there he taught and coached in Harvey, ND, and eventually settled in Williston in 1957. He continued his education and earned a master of business degree from the University of North Dakota. In 1963, Bob coached the Williston High School boys' basketball team to a state championship. Among the several notable players was Phil Jackson. He continued his career as the manager of Harmon Park Clinic in Williston from 1963 – 1972. It was during this time that he became active in politics and was first elected to the North Dakota State Legislature in 1966. Bob served as a state representative from District 1 until 1972 when he was first elected as the North Dakota State Auditor. Bob served as the State Auditor from 1972 until his retirement in 1996. He was well-known and respected by the people and was elected and re-elected six terms serving the State of North Dakota for 24 years. Bob became the District Governor for Rotary District 5580 in 1997 – 1998. Through Rotary, he and his wife, Bev, had the opportunity to travel and meet many interesting people who became good friends. Bob was a Rotarian for 50 years and believed in giving back to the community and serving others. As District Governor, Bob was instrumental in getting several Rotary Clubs in North Dakota to help support building projects for The God's Child in Guatemala. He was involved with the Boy Scouts in a variety of roles and was honored with the Silver Beaver Award and the Silver Antelope Award, both regional and council level distinguished awards for his hard work and dedication to Scouting. From Concordia College, he was bestowed the Distinguished Alumni Award. Bob's involvement in the church was also an important part of his life. His strong Christian faith and his compassion for others were attributes that carried him throughout his life. For all the accolades and awards that Bob received, his greatest accomplishment was his family. He was a deeply devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a man of great integrity who touched many lives with his wisdom and encouragement. Bob enjoyed traveling with Bev, spending time with family at Pelican Lake, MN, and at their farm south of Watford City, ND, and listening to "good music" – Big Band and jazz. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Beverly, Bismarck; his children, Robert R. Kathy Peterson, Bismarck, Dr. Gary Cindy Peterson, Tucson, AZ, Sonya Ron Czerepak, North St. Paul, MN, and Mark Peterson, Burnsville, MN; his grandchildren, Christopher, Annaliese, Brynn, Daniel, and Madeline; his brothers, Rev. Carmen Virginia Peterson, Woodville, WI, and Gerald Beth Peterson, Rapid City, SD; his sister-in-law, Nancy Henning, Ft. Collins, CO; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Duane and Donna Peterson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Fred and Leona Henning; brother-in-law, Victor Henning; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Loralee and Dorwin Hansen; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marie and Roy Miller. Memorials preferred to Lutheran Church of the Cross in Bismarck, ND, or the American Cancer Society. The family wishes to thank the caregivers at the Baptist Home for their care and friendship during Bob's residence. A favorite saying of Bob's, indicative of his life…A bell is not a bell until you ring it. A song is not a song until you sing it. The love in your heart was not meant there to stay, love is not love until you give it away. Oscar Hammerstein

Robert Bob W. Peterson

January 18, 1929 - April 17, 2013