Robert 'Bob Petersen

Robert "Bob" Petersen, 84, peacefully passed away at his home on April 6, 2014.

Bob, the youngest of eight children, was born Feb. 10, 1930, in Newton, Utah, to Christian and Elizabeth Petersen. Bob grew up in Newton and graduated from North Cashe High School. Bob served in the Army for two years and was a member of the Army Rifle Team during the Korean War, where he won many medals in shooting competitions. Upon discharge from the Army, he returned home to Utah.

In the 1950s Bob moved to the Missoula-Frenchtown area and called this his home for the remainder of his life. Bob devoted his life to farming and the buying and selling of cattle. He spent his time as a grain and hay farmer, cattle buyer, rancher and goose hunter extraordinaire. Bob loved Montana and had a passion for hunting and the great outdoors. He continued to buy and sell cattle until late 2013 when his failing health would no longer allow him to do so.

On Dec. 16, 1980, Bob married Coral Brown and they spent a wonderful 33 years living together in Frenchtown and Missoula, where they enjoyed their time together doing just about everything. Bob will be especially remembered for his dedication to hard work and family.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He will be missed by his family, friends, and members of the Missoula and Frenchtown community, along with everyone he knew in the cattle business. His stunning smile will be remembered by all who knew him.

Bob is survived by his wife Coral Petersen of Missoula; brother Edward Petersen of Utah; and children Debbie (George) Thomas of Portland, Ore., Angela (Todd) Smith of Reno, Nev., Sandra (Bob) Barrett of Salmon, Idaho, Jeff (Buffy) Walchli of Shelley, Idaho, and Lisa Miller (Mike Mostad) of Missoula. Bob was the proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Christian and Elizabeth Petersen; brothers Vance, Don and Jim; sisters Martha, Ivan and Letha; nephews Steven and David Petersen; and his son Dan.

On April 6, 2014, Bob's failing health called him home to the Lord. Funeral services were held Thursday, April 10, at 1:30 p.m. at the Jones & Casey Funeral Home of Salmon, Idaho. Burial was in the Salmon Cemetery with military honors by the American legion Lloyd Shaw Post No. 67 and the Idaho Honor Guard. Bob and Coral had purchased lots several years ago to be interred near family. Many friends and family were present. Due to the short time between Bob's passing and the funeral services, the message could not be delivered to everyone in the Missoula and Frenchtown community.

Bob's heart will always be with his friends and loved ones in the Missoula and Frenchtown community, where he spent his last enjoyable years of his life doing what he loved with who he loved.

Memorials can be sent to Partners in Home Care Hospice or the NRA (National Rifle Association.)
Read Robert Petersen's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.