Robert D. Peterson, age 65, of Virginia and formerly of Duluth, died Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010, in St. Mary's Medical Center surrounded by family.

He was born April 20, 1944, in Virginia, the son of Dr. Robert A. and Irma (Ahola) Peterson. He graduated from Virginia High School and went on to obtain degrees in business and accounting from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. A first lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Robert was stationed in Fort Sill, Okla., during the Vietnam War. He later was a captain in the Minnesota National Guard and was commander of the National Guard Post in Virginia.

Robert had worked for DM&IR Railroad as an accountant and was currently the owner and operator of Irma's Finland House in Virginia. He was a member of the Virginia Servicemen's Club and was an active member of the Wednesday AA club in Virginia. Robert had assisted in coaching baseball with the Lakeview American Legion Post in Duluth. He enjoyed his time spent fishing on Lake Vermilion.

Robert is survived by his father, Dr. Robert A Peterson of Virginia; children, Dan (Dawn) Peterson of Duluth, Ray (Sara) Peterson of Duluth and Liisa (Chris) Kolquist of Eden Prairie, Minn.; grandchildren, Jess, Cate, and Kyle Peterson and Maia and Keely Kolquist; brother, H. Jeffrey (Nancy) Peterson of Tower; former wife, Mary Jane Peterson of Duluth; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Irma, and his sister, Mary Ann Shuter.

Visitation will be Monday, Feb. 8, from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. memorial service in the Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church in Virginia. Pastor Nathan Sager will officiate.

Memorials are preferred to the Wednesday chapter of AA in Virginia or to the Lakeview American Legion Post in Duluth.

Robert's family wishes to extend their special thanks of the Oncology Department and staff at SMDC for the care that they extended to Robert.

Family services are provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To leave remembrances of Robert on-line please see www.baumanfuneralhome.com.


Born: April 20, 1944 Place of Birth: Virginia, MN 55792 Death: February 3, 2010 Place of Death: Duluth, MN Occupation: Owner of Irma's Finland House Hobbies: Fishing Organizations: Wednesday Chapter of AA & the Virginia Servicemen's ClubGathering Time for Family & Friends Monday February 8, 2010 , 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church
Memorial Service Monday February 8, 2010 , 11:00 a.m. at Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church
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Wednesday Chapter of AA in Virginia or to the Lakeview American Legion Post in Duluth