Robert D. Peterson, 88, of Williston, ND, formerly of the Zahl and Grenora, ND area, died peacefully Friday evening, surrounded by family at the Bethel Lutheran Home in Williston. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Williston is assisting the family.

Robert was born February 9, 1928, on the family homestead, “the Sand”, to Henry and Mabel Magnus Peterson. He was raised in the Zahl area, attended local country schools, and graduated in 1946 from Zahl, North Dakota High School. In his younger years, Robert worked various jobs custom combining, farming labor work, and truck driving. Robert was a veteran of the Korean Conflict; he was inducted into the Army on Friday, October 13, 1950, and was honorably discharged August 22, 1952.

Robert was united in marriage to Dorothy Oyen on December 8, 1956. To this union five children were born: Gregory (Gaylene) Peterson, Tioga, ND: Greta Lehnerz, Casper, WY; Robyn (Kirk) Soiseth, Williston, ND; Ronda Peterson, Williston, ND; and Lisa (Les) Urbatsch, Fargo, ND.; he was guardian to two nieces and a nephew: Kari (Butch) Hite, Tucson, AZ; Blaine (Cathy) Oyen, Beulah, ND; and Andrea (Tim) Batt, Harvest, AL. Other survivors include his 12 grandchildren: Niki Lehnerz (Dre), Courtney Reddish (Bart), Rebecka Peterson McDowell (Don), Robert Urbatsch, Gregory Peterson II (Sonja), Luke (Gwen) Soiseth, Adam Urbatsch, Alyssa Reddish (Jason), Heather Kihle (Tyler), Kirby Urbatsch, Vanessa Clemmensen, and Frank Lehnerz III; and 14 great-granchdhildren. Robert is also survived by his sister, Helen Pederson, brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-laws Gerry (Karen) Oyen, Kenny (JoAnn) Oyen, Ethel Oyen, Norma Oyen, Lou Oyen, Donald Guenther; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews.

Robert was a farmer most of his life, he loved and enjoyed this profession. But, what Robert loved most, was his wife, his children and grandchildren. He also loved his many extended family and friends; he never knew a stranger.

Robert served on the Grenora Methodist Pastor-Parish Relations board for many years, and then the Faith United Methodist Pastor-Parish Relations board. Robert was a member, and a past president, of the Grenora Rural Fire Department; was a member, and had served as Post Commander of the Grenora Alvin T. Larson American Legion; was in the Honor Guard for several decades, and was proud to honor his fallen brothers and sisters; was a member of the Edgar E. Boyd VFW Post of Zahl, ND; served on the Orthell Township Board; and was a very active member of the Fort Buford Odd Fellows Lodge. Robert was an avid pinochle and whist player, and enjoyed playing many hours with his friends. As soon as the first hand was played, he knew exactly what every player had in their hand.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister-in-law, Eugene and Elaine Peterson; his parents-in-laws, Clarence and Grace Jacobson; his brother-in-law Paul Pederson, and nephew, Daniel Pederson; and his Oyen brothers and sisters-in-laws: Beatrice (Harvey) Selby, Bud (Marilyn) Oyen, Marian Guenther, Herbert Oyen, Frank Oyen and Gale Oyen.