Robert “Bob” Petersen, age 68, of Wellston, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, July 14, 2016 at the Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He was born July 4, 1948 in Newark, New Jersey. Bob, a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, served his country during the Vietnam War. He was employed by the City of Wellston, where he started working in 2002 as a communications officer. In 2008 Bob achieved the position of Communications Sergeant.
Bob was a devout Christian and he was an active leader in many churches and ministries throughout his lifetime. He enjoyed playing board games, autumn, football season and picking guitar. Bob was a member of the John Birch Society, Duluth Minnesota Chapter and he had served as President of the Board of Directors of the Duluth Mission and Homeless Shelter.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Nyla Argabright Petersen; children, Matt Petersen (Amanda), Heather Mohler (Donny), and Paul “P.J.” Petersen (Kelsey), all of Wellston; three grandchildren, Alyssa Petersen, Hannah Petersen and Carter Petersen; mother, Doris Rockhill Belanger of Las Vegas, Nevada; sister, Patty Zajac of Las Vegas, Nevada; brother, Phil Petersen of Phoenix, Arizona; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Argabright of Wellston, along with several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Alfred C. Petersen; brother, David Petersen, and his father-in-law, Jack Argabright.
Calling hours will be Tuesday from 2 to 8 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. A celebration service honoring Bob’s life will be Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home with Pastor Michael Jadrnicek and Jeff Argabright officiating. Burial will follow in the Ridgewood Cemetery with military honors by members of the United States Marine Corps. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com