Robert G. “Bob” Petersen, age 57, of 4880 L. 85 Lane, Escanaba (Ford River) and former resident of Farmfield Road, Rock, passed away Thursday October 20, 2005, of an apparent heart attack, while working at Engineered Machine Products Corporation (E.M.P.).

Bob was born September 28, 1948, in Escanaba, the son of Robert A. and Bernice (Jungles) Petersen.  He was raised in Escanaba and attended and graduated from the Escanaba Senior High School in 1966.  Following his years in school, Bob enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. proudly serving his country in Vietnam where he received 17 air accommodation medals.  On June 16, 1973, Bob married the former Mary Sauve at the St. Anne Catholic Church in Escanaba.  Together the couple made their home in the Delta County Area and over the years, Bob and Mary constructed 2 log homes together before recently constructing their retirement home in the Ford River area.  Throughout his life, Bob received his Associate Degree from the Bay de Noc Community College and also his private pilots license from Thorin Aviation.  Bob was employed at E.M.P. since 1983 in the position of Senior Manufacturing Engineer.  Bob loved his work and the people he worked with but he greatly enjoyed running his machines.  Bob was married to his wife Mary for 32 years.  He was a kind and gentle man who loved bird watching, building, flying, riding his sportster and staying home on weekends, barbequing, listening to music and having a few beers with his wife Mary.  He will be deeply missed. 

In addition to his mother, Bernice and his loving wife, Mary, Bob is survived by:

5 Sisters:  Mary Bink of Escanaba, MI; Pat Denome of Escanaba, MI; Bonnie Petersen of California; Chris Petersen of Appleton, WI; Jenny (Bob) Pagel of Foley, AL

Father and Mother in law:  John G. (Mary Ann) Sauve of Escanaba, MI

Brothers in law:  Jim (Carol) Sauve of Escanaba, MI; Gary (Mary) Sauve of Sacramento, CA

Special Friends:  Alice, Jenny and Karl Koivisto

Also surviving are numerous Aunt, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews and cousins whom Bob loved so dearly.
Bob was preceded in death by:  His father, Robert A. Petersen, Brother in law:  Frank Bink, his maternal and paternal grandparents and his best friend, John F. Koivisto and Godchild, Julie who greeted Bob with open arms at the time of his passing.

Memorial services, to honor the life of Bob Petersen, will be held, at a future date, at the convenience of the Petersen family.  Contributions, in Bob Petersen’s name, may be directed to the Delta County Animal Shelter.