Of Shorewood, passed away at Amita St. Joseph Medical Center, Monday, March 14, 2022. Age 87 years. Survived by his wife of 62 years Sandra K. Peterson (nee Ricketts), three children Lori (Kurt) Thompson, Bradley (Mary) Peterson and Melanie (Ray) Cruz-Perez. Seven grandchildren Alyssa Thompson, Krysta (Steve) Gowen, Kaylee (Braylen) Scott, Brenden Cruz-Perez, Bryce Cruz-Perez, Veronica Peterson and Liam Peterson. Two great-grandchildren Landon and Madelyn Gowen. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Martin P. and Virginia M. Peterson, his brother Martin "Pete" R. Peterson (2011) and his sister Margaret A. Dresser (2012) Bob was born February 1, 1935 in Keokuk, Iowa. He graduated from Keokuk High School, Class of 1953, Augustana College in 1957 and Augustana Seminary in 1961, both in Rock Island, IL. On August 28, 1960, Bob married the former Sandra Ricketts. Following his graduation from Augustana Seminary they moved to Nebraska where he began his first pastoral call at Bristo, Baker and Spencer Lutheran Church's. Bob continued on to become Pastor of Salem Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN. and St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church in Madison, WI. Moving to Joliet in 1973, Bob served as Pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church until his retirement in 1998. In his retirement he continued his ministry as Interim Pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Morris. Bob was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Joliet. Past president of Old Timers Baseball Association, Representative for the Illinois Lutheran Synod and founder of Spanish Ministries at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Memorial services will be held at St. John Lutheran Church, 2650 Plainfield Rd., Monday, March 21st at 11:00 A.M. Rev. Jen Beamsley officiating. Memorials to Santa Cruz Blessing Bench Pantry or Old Timers Baseball Association will be appreciated. Visitation will be held at St. John Lutheran Church, Monday from 9:00 A.M. until time of services.