Robert A. Peterson

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Peterson, Robert A. of Prior Lake, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2015 at the age of 89. A Celebration of Life Service is Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at 11:00 AM with visitation from 9:30 - 11:00 AM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation; 833 S. Marschall Road; Shakopee, MN. Pastor David McKeown will preside. Pall bearers for Robert are Tim Swope, Ryan Peterson, George Reisdorff, Robert Peterson, John Peterson and Tom Elmer. Robert will be laid to rest at Dawn Valley Cemetery in Bloomington, MN. Memorials can be made to Sand Creek Baptist Church, Jordan. It was a hot summer day in Mason City, IA on July 5, 1925 when Austin and Daisy (Meuller) Peterson celebrated the birth of their baby boy, Robert. He was the third of four children, and he loved growing up in a rural farming community with his siblings, Jane, Joyce and Bill. Robert attended and graduated from Mason City High School. He then enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces. He was originally training to become a pilot for the Navy, but he was instead recruited for the V-5 Program. This was an intense program that allowed him to earn his bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota within two years. It was in college that he met the love of his life, Carol. They were both students, and they hit it off immediately. Their love grew, and they exchanged wedding vows at the Hennepin Avenue Methodist Church in Minneapolis on May 17, 1952. They were blessed with four wonderful children, Roberta, Richard, Thomas and Bruce. As a family they'd pile into the station wagon and explore the country. These family road trips took them to the Grand Canyon, Yellow Stone and many more destinations. Robert always had a passion for travel, and this is something he passed on to his family. He was also able to pursue this passion for travel through his work. Throughout the years he took more than 50 trips to Paris for work. Robert's first job was with International Harvester. He spent a number of years with that company before taking a job with Toro. His new job allowed him to settle down and spend more time with his family. Robert eventually became the Vice President of Finance. He worked there for 30+ years before retiring in 1992. In retirement Robert was able to pursue his passions. He and Carol loved wintering in Florida with friends. He spent as much time as he could on the water. Robert was a founding member of the Prior Lake Yacht Club, and its first Commodore. He loved sailing and racing his C-Scow and M-16. He and Carol took many trips together; they especially enjoyed traveling to the Bahamas where they enjoyed the beautiful waters of the Caribbean. Robert was also very active in his community. He was a member of the Prior Lake School Board, served on boards for local businesses, and was active in the Spring Lake / Prior Lake Watershed District. Robert was a take-charge kind of man and a natural leader. His success was even featured in "Who's Who of America." But the accomplishment Robert was most proud of was his family. He was a generous and loving man. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandpa. He will be deeply missed and remembered always by his children, Roberta (Gordy) Reuteler, Richard "Dick" (Theresa) Peterson, Bruce (Debi) Peterson; grandchildren, Michelle (George) Reisdorff, Robert Peterson, John Peterson, Regan Peterson, Morgan (Tim) Swope, Lauren Peterson, Ryan Peterson; great-grandchild, Immagin Swope; brother, William "Bill" (Janet) Peterson; special nephew, Thomas Elmer; other loving relatives and friends. There to greet Robert in Heaven is his beloved wife, Carol; son, Thomas; parents, Austin and Daisy; sisters, Jane and Joyce. The Peterson family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation Shakopee (952) 445-1202 BallardSunderFuneral.com

Published on March 8, 2015