A visitation for Robert F. Petersen, 78, of Albert Lea will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home. Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 11  a.m. Tuesday. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Bob died Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018, at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea.

Robert Frederick Petersen, the most awesome dad ever, was born Sept. 28, 1939, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the son of Henry and Helen (Kause) Petersen. He grew up and attended school in Council Bluffs.

In fall 1957, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy. During his years in the Navy, which included Vietnam, he served on the USS Hopewell and the USS Purdy. He retired from the Navy in 1975 as the chief personnel officer in Des Moines. After his discharge he worked as the liquor department manager at Hy-Vee in Ames, Iowa.

Bob met the woman of his dreams on the beach at Sands Point Naval Training Device Center in Port Washington, New York, in the summer of 1963. They married April 24, 1965, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Port Washington.

After Nancy’s death in 2005, Bob moved to Albert Lea to be closer to family. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. Bob was the most dedicated grandpa to his granddaughters — always attending their activities.

Bob is survived by his children Robert V. (Sheila) Petersen and John (Darcie) Petersen; granddaughters Sheridan Petersen and Veronica, Josephine and Louisa Petersen; sisters Elaine (Marion) Rosenbohm and Catherine (Dean) Wood; and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nancy; brothers Henry, Richard, Harold and John; and sisters Helen and Doris.