Harry 'Bob' Petersen

Harry Robert Petersen (Bob) passed away peacefully at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital on November 9, 2009 of congestive heart complications. He was born on August 14, 1924 to Chris and Bessie Petersen. Bob spent his early childhood in the Madison valley farming on the family ranch east of Norris. He attended school in Norris and graduated from Harrison High School, where he was Ol#8217; #88 on the Wildcat basketball team. Bob enlisted in the Navy in 1943 and served on a submarine performing Torpedo Duty. He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal, the American Area Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory medal. He was honorably discharged in 1946. On August 27, 1949, Bob was united in marriage with Norma Hardy in Butte, Montana. Following their wedding, they returned to Bozeman to raise their family. Bob and Norma recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. Bob worked in the construction field and later worked for Pioneer Ready Mix. He ran the concrete batch plant for Pioneer and mixed all the concrete for the MSU fieldhouse and hundreds of other buildings and projects in Bozeman. Bob celebrated his retirement in 1985 after 35 years in construction. After retirement, Bob and Norma spent many summers at their second home on Canyon Ferry Lake. They enjoyed boating and fishing with their family and friends. Bob also enjoyed reading history books and attending sporting events, especially watching his grandchildren#8217;s sporting events. Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Norma; brother Tracy Petersen and Kenneth Petersen; and three grandchildren, Robert Murphy, Heather Madison and Matthew Madison. Survivors include his daughters, Marlyn (Dan) Madison, Valerie (Lee) Hedglin, Diana Petersen, and Tracey Petersen, all of Bozeman. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Taylor Madison, Joe Hedglin and Brandi Kirscher; brother James Petersen; and brother-in-law Clifford Hardy of Belgrade. Also surviving are five great grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. At Bob#8217;s request, no services are planned. Memorials may be made to the Bozeman Deaconess Cancer Center, 931 Highland Blvd, Ste. 3200, Bozeman, MT 59715 or to the charity of one#8217;s choice. Goodnight Dad and Grandpa #8211; We love you.