Robert P. "Bob" Petersen

It is with great sadness we announce the death of Robert P. “Bob” Petersen, age 69, of Faribault, MN. Bob passed away on Sunday March 16, 2025, at home surrounded by his family.

Friend to hundreds, admired and respected by everyone who came into contact with him. Bob fought the good fight with DLBC Lymphoma for 18 months, and left knowing how loved he was by his family, friends and colleagues.

Bob was born on September 21, 1955, to Ralph and Grace (Means) Petersen at Methodist Hospital, Des Moines IA. He attended school at Linn-Mar in Marion IA graduating with the Class of ’73. He was a successful four-sport athlete during high school. He graduated from Luther College in ’77 with a degree in Physical Education. He had a stellar college wrestling career including a National Championship.

On April 24, 1999, Bob married the love of his life Carrie (Pesta) Petersen at Immaculate Conception Church, Lonsdale, MN. They have 2 children and a son-in-law. Kasandra (Nick) LaCanne and Khrystjan Petersen all of Faribault. Bob’s family was his whole world. Included in that is his Grandpup, ‘Bones’.

Bob worked for Imperial Plastics as an IT Specialist for 22 years. (1994-2016) He forged many lifelong friendships through his work there. Since 2016, Bob has been working for PH Selly Co. in Accounting & Payroll. His office there brought him great joy. Spending his workdays with Mark, Ripp, RJ and Lucy. His other ‘job’ was with Minnesota Coaches as a coach bus driver. He was a valued and respected driver. He has driven hundreds of thousands of miles across the US and Canada. The Shattuck-St. Mary’s Teams & Community adopted Bob in as ‘one of their own’ due to his dedication to the players, coaches and families. He was very proud of that.

Bob was a lifelong Chicago Bears fan. He was an even bigger fan of both Kasi and Khrystjan. Attending all their games and matches. He was always there to support the kids and their dreams. Bob’s favorite hockey memory with Kasi was in 2014 when her team won the Section 6AA final to advance to the MSHSL state tournament. Kasi and Bob traveled together around the US and Canada for many hockey tournaments. He enjoyed following her collegiate and coaching careers too.

Bob’s favorite hobby was Golf. He averaged 100 rounds a year. In the past 20 years almost each of those rounds were played with Khrystjan. He has been a member of the Faribault Golf and Country Club for almost 40 years. He served as President for 3 of those years. He was also a member of Legacy Golf in Faribault where he carded his only Hole-in-one on May 12, 2020. His greatest golf memory was golfing in Scotland with Khrystjan in 2023. Bob could not have been more proud watching Khrystjan compete in college.

Bob is survived by his wife, Carrie. Children, Kasi (Nick) and Khrystjan, all of Faribault. His Mother, Grace Petersen of Marion IA. Special extended family, Thomas (Joelle) Haas, Livianne Haas, and Federico Haas. Sisters and Brother in laws, Nancy Lord (Bob Sinclair) of Ormund Beach FL and Sue (Larry) Atwater of Hiawatha, IA. Nephews Jordan and Mark Atwater and their families. Father-in-law, Roger Pesta of Lonsdale. Brother and Sister in laws, Heather Markgraf, Dundas. Brian (Alison) Pesta, Eagan. Nephew and Niece/Goddaughter, Brody and Maycie Pesta.

Bob was preceded in death by his Dad, Ralph Petersen. His Aunt, Margie Means. Mother-in-law, Linda Pesta. Grandparents, Frank and Hannah Means, Harry and Katie Petersen. Great friends, John Mason and Jim Halloran. Additional Aunt and Uncles.

We owe special gratitude to: Amy Selly and the nurses at Allina Cancer Center, Faribault. Dr. Villasboas and the entire Mayo Clinic Hospital Staff. Bob received the best of the best care at these facilities. Nurse Rachel with Allina Hospice was a godsend and assisted Bob to be comfortable and in peace at home surrounded by his family and friends. Father Henry Doyle and Father Timothy Sandquist for their support and spiritual guidance.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Patrick in Shieldsville, MN with Fr. Timothy Sandquist officiating.

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault on Friday, March 21, 2025 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday for one hour prior to services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.