Robert L. Petersen

SIOUX CITY -- Robert L. Petersen, 83, of Sioux City died Tuesday, May 4, 2010, at a Sioux City hospital.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel, with the Rev. Del Olivier of Augustana Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the U.S. Army. Visitation will be one hour prior to service time Tuesday at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Robert was born Dec. 27, 1926, in Omaha, Neb., to Anfelt S. and Hilda A. (Carlson) Petersen. He graduated from Central High School and N.B.T. Robert lived for two years in Omaha, and 81 years in Sioux City. He served in the U.S. Army from March 19, 1945, until Nov. 7, 1945, and re-enlisted Nov. 8, 1945, until Nov. 17, 1946.

He married Betty Jean Stetson on April 10, 1948, in Elk Point, S.D. She died May 17, 1993, in Rochester, Minn. Robert was employed as a master electrician for Thorp Electric, where he served as supervisor and shop foreman for 40 years, retiring in 1991.

He was a member of Augustana Lutheran Church as well as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Masonic Temple and Fraternal Order of Eagles. Robert was an avid card and cribbage player. Spending time with his family was very important to him, and all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a special joy to him.

Survivors include a son, Steve Petersen of Irvine, Calif.; a daughter, Sandy Wych and her husband, Ronald of Akron, Iowa; 10 grandchildren, Julie, Robert, Andy, Stacey, Kari, Sara, Charity, Tori, Joe and Jacob; as well as several great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; and a son, Dennis R. Petersen.