Robert D. Peterson

robert d. peterson

Robert D. Peterson, 87, Fargo, formerly Enderlin, passed away Monday, June 25, 2012.

Robert D. Peterson was born January 8, 1925 to J. Roy and Ednah Douglass Peterson at Enderlin, North Dakota.  Robert grew up in Enderlin and graduated from Enderlin High School in 1943.  Following graduation he enlisted into the United States Marine Corps and went through recruit training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at San Diego, California, where he received a sharpshooter medal.  He continued his Marine training with the 5th Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California and on the Big Island of Hawaii.  As part of the 28th Marine Regiment, Robert landed on Iwo Jima on D Day February 19, 1945.  On February 23, 1945, he witnessed the famous flag raising on Mount Suribachi.

Following Iwo Jima, he was transferred to Japan for occupation duty.  Robert was honorably discharged from the Marines in May, 1946. He was accorded a good conduct medal, the Asiatic Pacific Theatre ribbon with a battle star for Iwo Jima, USA Defense ribbon and a WWII Victory medal.  With his military service completed, Robert attended and graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science of Chicago, Illinois in May 1948.  On November 10, 1948, he married Lola  Card in Minneapolis, Minnesota and moved to Redding, California.  They later returned to Enderlin, North Dakota where he was associated with the J. Roy Peterson Funeral Home to be with his father as a third generation funeral director within the family owned funeral home that served Ransom County for over 75 years.

Robert and Lola purchased the Peterson Funeral Home in Enderlin, North Dakota in 1963 and operated the business until his retirement in 1990.  Upon retirement they moved to Fargo, North Dakota to make their home and also enjoy their lake home on Fish/Pelican Lake for many years.

Upon retirement, the North Dakota Funeral Director’s Association honored Robert for 50 years of service to his community and profession.  He had memberships in the American Legion and Enderlin VFW for over 50 years and other community service organizations.  Robert was also one of the original Enderlin business people who financed and built the Hillcrest Manor Retirement Home, now known as Maryhill Manor.

In later years, he and Lola enjoyed their winter home in Grand Junction, Colorado to be near their son.

He is survived by his wife, Lola; son, Scott (Juanita) of Grand Junction, Colorado; sister, Dorothy of Bellevue, Washington and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles.

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  1. Fargo ND
    My thoughts and prayers to you Eileen and family. I was one of Dewey’s nurses at Essentia. Your devotion to each other was priceless to see. I will remember Dewey’s smile and twinkling eyes. Some patients and families remain in my heart long after they are discharged. Hugs to you.

  2. san antonio texasDear Eileen,
    There will be a big “void” in your life without Duane. He always made “things” happen! I remember going to the lake and Duane made sure I knew how to water ski before I left. Soooo glad he taught me as it was a fun sport. He hung a mirror at Bonnie’s home and he said looking at the mirror as he went by ‘this is the last chance”. He always gave us something to laugh about. God bless you Eileen in the days ahead ……..Thanks for taking such good care of Duane. Cousins, Bonnita and Kathryn

  3. Maple Grove MN
    I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I know Duane was very special and always had a joke or a smart comment ready when I would walk in the door. I hope the good memories bring you some comfort during this time.

  4. Fargo ND
    Dear Eileen – so sorry to hear of Duane’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. Love Sandy and Manuel Otero

  5. Brainerd MN
    Thinking of you Eileen as you grieve the loss of Duane. May he rest in God’s peace and may you be comforted.

  6. San Diego CA Dear Eileen and Family,

    I am sorry we will not be able to be with you on Thursday. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

    Rest in Peace Duane,

    Brothers Jerry Peterson and Bob Smith

  7. Dear Lola, Scott and Juanita,

    It was so good to see you and visit with you at Sanford after these many years.
    Our prayers are with you as you go forward day by day.

    Gary came home 10 days ago and is extremely weak and sleeping alot. We are thankful for each day.

  8. Grafton ND
    Lola and Scott:
    My Sympathies to you both. Bob was a very nice man and I enjoyed the two summers I spent in Enderlin covering for you guys. I am sorry I couldn’t make it down for the service.

    Mike Such

  9. West Fargo ND
    Lola and family,
    Our deepest sympathy to you. Bob was a true gentleman, and we so enjoyed getting to know him when we had lunch with you and our cousin Bob McDole. God bless you and find peace in your memories of all the wonderful times spent with him. Love, Jerry & Janice

  10. McIntosh SDScott & family,
    Thinking of you and your family.
    With our sincere sympathy.
    Lorrie & George. (Chris’ parents)

  11. Grand Junction ColoradoScott & family ~ My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. From the way you have talked about your dad, it’s obvious he was a wonderful man.

  12. Ayr ND
    Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family at this time of loss. Our thoughts and wishes are with you.

  13. enderlin ND
    To Lola and family: our sincere sympathy to you on your loss of Robert.

    He will be remembered as one of Enderlin’s fine citizens.

    My Father, Vernon Dagman, was a cousin to Lola. We know what wonderful memories you will have to cherish of Robert’s life.

    You are in our thoughts and Prayers. A memorial will be given in Robert’s name to the Enderlin First Lutheran Community Bible school to be held July 30 through August 3, 2012.

    Virgil and Sheryl Dagman and family


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