MESA, Ariz. -- Robert A. "Bob" Peterson, Sr., 85, of Mesa, Ariz., died Friday of cancer.
The service will be today at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Mesa, Ariz. Burial will be in Gary, S.D.
Arrangements are by A Wise Choice Cremation and Funeral Services in Mesa, Ariz.
He was born and educated in Willmar. After an apprenticeship in printing, he entered the merchant marine and then the U.S. Navy. He served in the Pacific theater in World War II and was among the first to land in Japan following its surrender.
He married Carrol Collins. He bought and sold numerous businesses. He purchased and operated four restaurants in Minnesota. He also sold silos and insurance. He then purchased and operated a restaurant in Iowa. He also bought and operated motels in New Mexico and Arizona. He lived in Phoenix or in Mesa, Ariz., since 1965. Carrol died.
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He married Audrey. He sold the Phoenix motel. Then he started and managed bead shops and childcare centers. He jointly owned a commodity slag business and a construction company.
He is survived by his second wife; son: Robert (and Diane) Peterson Jr. of Austin, Texas; three grandchildren; a great-grandson; a brother: Waldo (and Maxine) and a sister: Elsie (and Burton) Jacobson.
He was preceded in death by his first wife.
