Robert L. Peterson “Bob” was born on May 15, 1936, on the Peterson Farm in Adams County, North Dakota just north of Lemmon, South Dakota. He was the son of Robert and Winnie (Larson) Peterson. Bob spent his childhood working on the family farm, going to a one room country schoolhouse and attending Lemmon High School before enlisting in the Air Force at age 17, in December of 1953. After his basic training, Bob completed technical training as an aircraft mechanic for jet bombers, then served overseas in England for 3 years with the 86th Bomb Squadron. During that time, he was responsible for maintaining the B45 Tornado Jet Bomber. He returned to the United States in 1957. He often joked that he joined the Air Force because he was tired of milking cows, but also said it was a decision he never regretted and he was always proud that he served his country.

Bob attended Covenant College in St. Louis, MO for a year where he met Ruth Elizabeth Lewis. They were married in California on January 26, 1962. After their first son, William, was born in 1963, they moved to Lemmon, SD. Their second son, Brian, was born in Lemmon in 1966 and shortly afterwards Bob began his career as a truck driver for Consolidated Freightways based out of Chicago. Over the next 33 years, they lived in Michigan, Utah, and Lincoln, Nebraska.

After Bob retired, he enjoyed working in his shop, which included restoring a B model IH tractor, spending time with family, and taking care of Ruth as she battled cancer. After Ruth passed away in 2001, he spent the next few years working for Schultz Transportation. In 2007 Bob moved back to Lemmon, SD and later married Karen Chase from North Platte, NE on January 29, 2008.

Bob is remembered as having a strong work ethic, being a great provider, and always putting his family first, which enabled Ruth to be a stay-at-home mother for their sons. Along with Ruth, they created a warm and safe home, full of love and support and one that was never in need. They also taught their sons the importance of having a personal relationship with the Lord and leaning on His love and wisdom for which they are grateful. Often, Bob would work all night and still make it to his sons’ sports or scouting events, go camping, boating, and fishing, or many other family functions - no matter how tired he was. He was always there for family and close friends. Bob will be greatly missed, but we know that someday we’ll all be together again with our Lord. Until then, know that we love you!

Bob went home to heaven at the age of 90 on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the Great Plains Hospital in North Platte, Nebraska. He is survived by his wife Karen Chase of North Platte NE; sons William (Sandra) Peterson of Livermore, CO and Brian (Nancy) Peterson of St. Joseph, MO; grandchildren, Robert (Delaney) Peterson, Matthew Peterson, Ashley (Emmanual) Ekochu, and Amy (Larry) Tatum; great grandchildren Ellie Peterson, Travis Peterson, and Archie Peterson. He is also survived by brothers Rolland (Jane) Peterson of Lemmon, SD, Kenneth (Pauline) Peterson of Aberdeen, SD, and sisters-in-law Sandy Peterson of Sturgis, SD and Eileen Peterson of Washington.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Winnie Peterson; wife Ruth; sister Delores Long; brothers, Charles and David; sister-in-law Rosemary; and brother-in-law Art Long.

Bob’s life will be honored and celebrated on Friday, November 13th, 2026 at 10:30 am at the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Lemmon, SD. Pastors Spencer Allen and Tom Penning will officiate. Visitation will be held 5 to 7pm Thursday at the church. Interment will take place at the Greenhill Cemetery in Lemmon, with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Lemmon and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Arrangements are with Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche. Friends may leave written condolences online, view a video tribute, and view the funeral service on Bob’s obituary page, located on the funeral home’s website: www.LeveringtonFH.com