Robert Wayne Petersen was born on September 30, 1933, in Friend, Nebraska to Alfred and Anna Magdalina (Kolb) Petersen and passed away on March 28, 2019, at home surrounded by family, at the age of 85 years, 5 months and 28 days.

Bob grew up in various places because of his father's work. He graduated from Polk High School with the Class of 1952. While in school, he played football, basketball and ran track. On June 20, 1954, Bob was united in marriage to Virginia Lea Harding in Polk.  Bob owned Petersen Construction where he built many homes in Seward. He later started The Garbage Company and also owned G&P Landfill in Milford for 20 plus years, retiring in 1999. The couple enjoyed their winters in Arizona the past 25 years. His backyard in Arizona reflected his personality, with room to entertain his many friends, or just enjoy a bit of brandy with Ginny.  He was an avid golfer, and had 5 hole-in-ones.  He also loved playing cribbage, bocce ball, tennis and dancing. He enjoyed get-togethers and having parties.  Bob enjoyed camping, skiing, riding motorcycles, hunting and the great outdoors. The couple enjoyed traveling all over the country and seeing their many friends in Arizona and Nebraska. He was very artistic and creative, enjoying painting and wood work. Bob spoiled his family and loved them dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Gladys, Betty, Connie and brother Gerald "Pete" Petersen; son, Tom Petersen; great granddaughter, Reagin Rixstine.

Survivors include his wife Virginia "Ginny"; sons, Kim (Julie) Petersen of Phoenix, AZ,  Sam (Angie) of Hebron, Jon (Jennifer) of Friend and his daughter Lori (Dave) of Hebron; 12 grandchildren: Kyle (Jenny) Petersen, Emma (Riggin) Rixstine, Katelyn Petersen, Kelsey Petersen, Sarah Petersen, Sam Petersen, Jr., Andrew Petersen, Ashleigh (Miko) Ferry, Jacob Feulner, Michael Feulner, Thomas Feulner (fiance' McCall Madsen) , Jackson Feulner, Megan Boyd;  9 great grandchildren: Araeya and Tytan Rixstine, Keisha Tyrrell, Jayln Petersen, Graysen Petersen, Alivia Petersen, Domanick Rexroad, Keatyn Petersen, Lyric Petersen, Sylus Ferry.

Honorary pallbearers are his grandsons: Kyle, Sam Jr., Andrew, Jacob, Michael, Thomas,  Jackson, and Riggin.