Robert Leonard Peterson

ROBERT LEONARD PETERSON, age 78, of rural New Richland, died Thursday evening, February 27, 2020, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.

Born on November 2, 1941 in Waseca to Stanley and Anna Mae (Jacobson) Peterson. He attended New Richland High School, graduating with the class of 1959. Bob furthered his education by attending Rochester Community College for one year. On September 16, 1962, Bob was united in marriage to Darlet Below at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wilton Township, Waseca County.

Bob was a lifelong farmer. He began his career working alongside his father on the Peterson Family Farm. After a few years his parents moved into town and he continued the farming operation throughout his life. For an interim time, Bob and Darlet moved to Germany where he worked as a salesman for West Bend Co. selling Miracle Maid Cookware. He then returned to the family farm. In 1982, he opened Bob’s Shop in beautiful downtown Vista, which he operated for several years. Bob also worked as a bus driver & mechanic for the New Richland School District. He served as a Waseca County Commissioner from 1980 – 1996. He enjoyed watching all sporting events. His greatest joys were following his grandchildren’s activities and the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Bob was a member of Vista Lutheran Church in Waseca County, the Shriners and served on the Waseca Sheriff’s Posse at the county fair.

Bob is survived by his wife of 57 years, Darlet of New Richland; children Troy Peterson of Fort Collins, CO, Tom (Tammy) Peterson of New Richland, Sandy (Mark) Tollefson of New Richland and Tyler (Siri) Peterson of Roseville; fifteen grandchildren: Jack Peterson, Hannah Peterson, Henry Peterson, Payden Peterson, Parker Peterson, Palmer Peterson, Perry Peterson, Paige Peterson, Porter Peterson, Carter (Anna) Tollefson, Spencer Tollefson, Emma Tollefson, Maia Peterson, Samuel Peterson, and Tate Peterson; sister, Jane Rasmussen of Apple Valley; brother-in-law: Dennis Knutson of Sioux Falls, SD; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Janet Prail of Janesville, Tom (Bonnie) Crosbie of Elk Mound, WI and Lynn (Ann) Below of Waseca; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, infant son, Todd; grandson, Preston Peterson; sister, Mary Ann Knutson; two brothers-in-law: Bob Prail and Don Rasmussen.

Visitation will be from 4-8 PM on Friday, March 6, 2020 at the Third Street Chapel of Dennis Funeral & Cremation Services in Waseca. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at Vista Lutheran Church in Waseca County with Rev. Steven Woyen officiating. Interment will be in Vista Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials preferred to the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota or American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.