Robert “Bob” E. Petersen, 84, of Walcott, passed away on Tuesday, September 27th, 2022 at his home.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, October 6, 2022 at Weerts Funeral Home in Davenport, Iowa.
Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Friday, October 7, 2022 at Weerts Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Maysville Cemetery. Following the burial, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Starlight Hall on the Mississippi Fair Grounds at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the Maysville Fire Department and Genesis Hospice.
Bob was born on April 17, 1938 in Davenport, IA to Howard and Eleanor (Colbert) Petersen. He graduated from Davenport High School in 1957. Bob completed his apprenticeship in the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 25 in 1961. Following his apprenticeship, he joined the family business, Petersen Plumbing and Heating, which was started by his father in 1947 after returning from his service in war. Bob was united in marriage to Donna Miller on May 7, 1961 in Davenport, IA. They recently celebrated their 61st year of love and dedication to each other and their family.
Bob served for decades as a member of the Mississippi Valley Fair Board, including acting as former board president. He was also deeply involved in the Midwest Oldtimers Club, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 25, Masonic Brubaker Lodge 675, Model T Ford Club of America, and the North Scott Rotary. He also always found time to care for his employees, many of which were like family to him.
Bob was a self-taught mechanical engineer. He held three U.S. patents and one Canadian patent. He spent his life producing his own prototypes and inventions to meet a variety of needs and uses. From metal fabrication to the restoration of vintage race cars and classic cars from all over the world, Bob spent most of his “off” hours in his garage surrounding by family and friends. His cars were featured in various magazines, exhibited at the Ford Museum, and his talents and personality were showcased on the popular TV show “American Pickers.”
Despite his commitment to their thriving family business, his unique skills to bring old cars back to life, and his involvement in so many community organizations, it was Bob’s family that he cherished most of all.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Donna; children Tami (David) Schiltz, Barb (Curtis) Hagen, Paul (Abby) Petersen; grandchildren Nick Schiltz, Luke Schiltz, Carter (Lisa) Hagen, Chloe Hagen, Ryann Petersen, Alexx Petersen, Erynn Petersen; sister Janet (Ron) Shewman and two beloved dogs, Max and Maggie.
He was preceded in death by both parents, his daughter Deborah, and brother Norman.
Bob Petersen lived his life to its fullest. He lived life, just as he left it, feet first, on his own terms, full of vigor, compassion and a deep love for family, country and the ingenuity that helps build a better world.
