William Robert “Bob” Peterson, age 90, died on Monday, December 17, 2012 at the Baldwin Care Center. Bob was born June 3, 1922 in Hammond WI to parents William Henry and Helen Decmona (Thorson) Peterson. Bob graduated from Hammond High School, and attended Dunwoody Institute for certification in Welding. Bob served his country in the United States Navy, serving as a shipwright and underwater welder with the Seabees during WWII. Bob was proud of the work he did in helping to construct the Thule Air Base in Greenland, the northern-most air base of the cold war era. On March 7, 1960, Bob would be united in marriage to Maxine Noella Landry. In marriage they were blessed with three children, Christine, Jim, and Julie.

A lifetime employee of St. Croix County, Bob was hired as a welder for the St. Croix County Highway Department, and retired as the Superintendent. He also served as a part-time deputy for the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Department. Away from work, Bob enjoyed hunting and fishing, and being with his family. Bob also had a hobby farm where he raised Charolais cattle and Suffolk sheep. He was also an active member of the Shriners, and a 60 year member of the Masons, where he earned the level of 32 degree mason.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Christine (Doug) Stratton of Menomonie; son, Jim (Debra) Peterson of Clarkston MI; daughter Julie Arseneau of Watseka IL; grandchildren, Lisa, Aimee, and Nicole Stratton, Ian, Emily, and Kelsey Peterson, and Cole Arseneau; siblings, Joyce Fernlund, George Peterson, Mary Landry, and Ron (Nancy) Peterson; brother-in-law, Ken Landry; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine; son-in-law, Marty Arseneau; his parents; siblings Winifred (Mike) Deneen, and Doris (Hank) Clancy; and brothers-in-law, Bob Fernlund, and Bill Landry; and sister-in-law, Joyce Peterson.

Visitation for Bob Peterson will be held from 4:00-7:00PM on Thursday, December 20th at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 1010 Newton Street in Baldwin. A private family service will be held, with burial at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Erin Prairie. Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin WI. 715-684-3434