Le Mars, Iowa – Robert R. Petersen, 86, of Le Mars, Iowa, formerly of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 25, 2014 at Floyd Valley Hospital in Le Mars. A graveside service will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, August 29, 2014 at the Dow City Cemetery in Dow City, Iowa. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2014 at the Mauer – Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars. The family will be present to greet friends from 4-7 p.m. with a prayer service scheduled at 6:30 p.m.

Robert Richard Petersen was born on August 19, 1928 in Dow City, Iowa to Hans and Emma (Thomsen) Petersen. He graduated from high school in Dow City and enlisted in the United States Air Force in November 15, 1948. Following his discharge, Robert returned to Dow City.

On June 19, 1949, Robert and Lois Wessel were united in marriage in Dow City. To this union three children were born, Diann, Rick and Rod. Robert worked in many grocery stores as a clerk, assistant manager and manager including Safeway and National Foods. The family moved to Le Mars in 1963 where Robert managed the National Foods grocery store. In 1969 he took a position with J.H. Kenny Co. as a food broker and traveled throughout the area. He made his home in Omaha, Nebraska and married Marilyn Cole on May 1, 1992.

Robert was an avid bowler throughout his life. He was one of the top bowlers in the senior leagues in Omaha. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. He recently moved to Le Mars to be closer to his family.

Grateful to have shared his life are his children, Diann Hamann and her husband Charles, Rick Petersen and Rod Petersen and his wife Kerri all of Le Mars; grandchildren, Joyce (Michael) Hamann Fortin of Danville, IA, Donovan Hamann and Christopher Hamann both of Le Mars, Jacob Petersen and Michael (Ashley) Petersen both of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Andrea (Shane) Hessenius and Allie (Justin) Freking both of Le Mars; six great-grandchildren, Jacob Hamann, McKenna and Kenzington Petersen, Brock and Britt Hessenius and Silas Freking; a sister, Audrey (Jack) Lambert of Sioux City, Iowa; a sister-in-law, Mary Jane Petersen of Harlan, Iowa; a special friend, Marie Morlan of Omaha, Nebraska, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Lois on August 11, 1979 and Marilyn on March 26, 1995; a brother, Donald on February 11, 2010; and a nephew, Scott Lambert on February 25, 2013.