Robert Clayton Peterson, (Bob), age 86, of Wolf Point, passed away peacefully of natural causes at his daughter’s home in Billings on Wednesday, April 4, 2012.
Robert was born on Jan. 10, 1926, in Wolf Point, to Charles Henry and Hilda Fossen Peterson. Bob attended school in Wolf Point, and later enlisted in the Navy during WWII. Following the war, he returned to Wolf Point to the family farm and continued farming until recent years.
In 1948, Bob met and courted the rural Volt School teacher, Betty Lou Gilbertson. They were later married on April 7, 1949. To this union three boys and one girl were born.
Bob and Betty made their home 28 miles north of Wolf Point on the family farm. Bob loved antique cars, tractors, small engines and their restoration. He enjoyed threshing bees and was a member of the Northeastern Montana Threshing Association. Bob enjoyed old-time music, and was an excellent self-taught piano and accordion player. Bob and his wife, Betty, loved to dance and attend fiddler jams in later years. He was also proud of his Norwegian heritage and loved his wife Betty’s Norwegian baked goods. Bob and Betty spent numerous years going south to Quartzsite, Ariz., and enjoyed their winters as snow birds. He was teased about being a Triple A farmer, April, August and Arizona!
Bob belonged to several organizations, serving the longest on the Northern Electric Board of Directors. He was also a lifetime Elks and Sons of Norway member. Bob’s favorite card game was whist and he was quite good at it!
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Henry and Hilda; his brothers Charles and James; his sons Wayne and Arne; and after 56 years of marriage, his wife, Betty.
He is survived by his son Wesley (Siri) of the family farm; his daughter, Margie (Ron) Prokop of Billings; his grandchildren, Dirk (Kadee) Peterson, Andrea Peterson, Garrett, Logan and Carson Prokop; and great-grandsons, Brendan and Aaden Peterson.
The family would like to thank Big Sky Hospice who gave excellent care during his final days and a heartfelt thank you to all friends and relatives for their support.
Please remember Bob in your heart and memories in lieu of memorials and flowers. A private family graveside service will be held in Wolf Point. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel is in charge of funeral arrangements.