Robert Nelson Petersen

Robert Nelson Petersen 87, passed away August 12, 2024 in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 29, 1937 in Bingham, Utah to Raymond Shelby Petersen and Afton Bennion Dimond Petersen. His twin brother Raymond (Pete) was born 15 minutes earlier.

Robert lived in Granger, Utah on a dairy farm for his first 10 years where he learned to work at a very young age. He attended Granger Elementary. In 1947 his parents bought a ranch and moved to Cokeville, Wyoming. He gained a love for ranching, working cattle and became a skilled horseman.

As a young teenage boy, Robert was very strong, athletic and involved with school sports. He was a talented football player with quick speed and agility. He also enjoyed basketball where he was scrappy and aggressive. He played the baritone in the high school band and was a member of the FFA (Future Farmers of America). Each year, he would raise a steer to take to North Salt Lake to be judged.

At the end of his sophomore year at Cokeville High School, he became interested in Lois Carol Dayton. Their relationship continued through high school. After a year at Utah State University, they were married in the Salt Lake Temple, September 5, 1956, sealed by Elder LeGrande Richards.

Following another year at Utah State, they moved to Cokeville where Robert continued ranching. There they raised their family of three sons and three daughters. He had a strong work ethic and wanted his family to do the same..... Expecting a job well done.

Roberts community service included Lincoln County Conservation District and Mayor of Cokeville in 2001-2002.

Robert is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. His church callings included Ward Clerk, 1st counselor in the Bishopric, member of the High Council, Young Men’s presidency, and Elder’s Quorum Presidency. He and Carol served in the Dublin Ireland mission for two years, Temple Square Mission for 18 months, Logan Temple for a total of five years and the Star Valley Temple for two years.

He loved his family which includes his wife, six children, Steven and KayeLani Petersen, Stewart and Chemene Petersen, Scott and Holly Petersen, Jerre and Diane Holmes, Chuck and Suzanne Reynolds, and Etuate and Julie Tonga, his grandchildren and great grandchildren, his brother Raymond Petersen, sisters, Shirley Deromedis, Kathy Jenkinson, Dorothy Colwell and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Jane Petersen and Afton Jean Petersen, and his brothers, Lannie Petersen and Richard Petersen.

A viewing will be held at the Cokeville LDS Ward on Friday, August 23, 2024 from 6-8pm and Saturday, August 24, 2024 from 9-10:30 a.m. Followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. Internment will follow services at the Cokeville Cemetery, Cokeville, WY.

For those friends and loved ones who cannot make it to the funeral services, we have generously scheduled a livestream of the funeral services for Robert.  Please click on the link to register for the livestream.  https://v2.forever.link/ballfamilychapel/robert-petersen