Bob Peterson

Memorial services for Robert Peterson will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Chris Carr officiating. Robert Peterson, age 81, of Gillette, Wyoming died at Campbell County Memorial Hospital of natural causes on Sunday, February 17, 2008.Robert "Bob" Peterson was born March 22, 1926 the son of Lester and Edith (Barbaras) Peterson in Highland Park, Illinois. He was raised and educated in Highland Park and graduated from Highland Park High School where he was the first player to receive All-State football honors. Bob had several offers to play college football but instead entered the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Washington DC during WWII. Following the war, he returned to Highland Park and began a life-long career with Illinois Bell which lasted over 35 years. Bob loved his years as a lineman and the hard labor it involved. He also played semi-pro football for the Twin City Indians. Bob married Mary Ugolini in 1960. He was a 54 year member of the Masons and Shriners and dedicated his life to helping others. In 1988, Bob & Mary retired to Gillette, Wyoming to be near their daughter and family. Bob continued to be active in the community in the Masons, Shriners and also volunteering his time at the Campbell County Memorial Hospital. Bob enjoyed traveling to his cabin in Michigan, fishing, gabbing with his buddies, snow-birding in Arizona and spending time with his grandchildren.Bob is survived by his wife; sons: George (Marla) Surgent of St. Leonard, Maryland, Jim (Devon) Surgent of Bothell, Washington; daughter, JoAnne (Dan) Peterson Coolidge of Gillette, Wyoming and six grandchildren: Eric Surgent of Seattle, Washington, Ahren Surgent of St. James City, Florida, Blaire Surgent of Baltimore, Maryland, April Surgent of Seattle, Washington, Jacob Coolidge of Gillette, Wyoming, and Alex Coolidge of Gillette, WyomingHe was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, three sisters and his first wife, Betty Batt.Donations in Bob's name may be made to benefit Campbell County Memorial Hospice or the American Alzheimer's Association. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Stevenson-Wilson Funeral Home, 210 W. 5th Street, Gillette, Wyoming 82716 or via the internet at www.stevensonwilson.com.