Peterson, Robert (Bob) W.

12/23/2007

Oct. 31, 1922 - Dec. 23, 2007

Rev. Robert (Bob) W. Peterson was born on October 31, 1922 in Duluth, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents, Corinne Hanson Vizay and Hans Jalmer Peterson. He was an only child. Bob entered Heaven on Sunday morning, December 23, 2007 in time to celebrate Christmas with his Savior. Bob was also preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Fontenot Peterson. Rev. Peterson is survived by his wife Robbie S. Parker Peterson of Shreveport, Louisiana; son, Rick Peterson and daughters, Renee Peterson Bolin of Lafayette, Louisiana, Terri Parker Marshall and Debra Parker Bolton of Shreveport, Louisiana. Bob is also survived by, as he referred to them, four beautiful granddaughters and four handsome grandsons.

Rev. Peterson faithfully served his Lord in the United Methodist ministry serving many churches in the New Mexico, Texas and Louisiana Conferences. Because of his age, he met retirement in June 1993 while serving First United Methodist Church in Kenner, Louisiana. After retirement Bob continued to serve the Louisiana conference by pastoring Ebenezer and Branch UMC’s as well as preaching at United Methodist churches from New Orleans to Greenwood, Louisiana whenever he was requested to fill-in for other preachers. He retired again in November 1996 to visit the Holy Land with Robbie. Later, he was privileged to host a last group to the Holy Land which he had done several times before.

Up until two months before his death, Bob continued to serve the Louisiana United Methodist Cursillo. He attended Cursillo No. 13 held at Tall Timbers Baptist Encampment. This was prior to the establishment of the Wesley Center in Woodworth, Louisiana. He believed strongly in the United Methodist Cursillo movement. He supported it with his prayers, presence, gifts and tithes. The Cursillo movement in Louisiana was special to Bob for what it means to hundreds of other people in Louisiana who have attended. He served as a Spiritual Director at many of the over 100 Cursillo weekend retreats held since he first attended. Bob preplanned his entire Service of Remembrance. He requested by name fellow preacher cursillistas to lead his funeral service in Shreveport and his graveside service at the Indian Bayou United Methodist Cemetery, Rayne, Louisiana. He also requested a very special cursillista pianist by name to play and a choir composed of fellow cursillistas to sing Cursillo songs at his Service of Remembrance.

Music was always a big part of Bob’s life. The “Big Band” hymns were a part of his musical background. Out of Jefferson High School in Duluth, Minnesota he was a singer for several years with different Big Bands touring the Upper Mid-West; Minneapolis, Chicago, Kansas City and Omaha. After following different occupational ventures Bob felt a strong call into the ministry while he was living in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He quit all other ventures in his life and entered into the ministry in 1966 with his wife and two children. He attended Perkins Seminary at SMU, Dallas Texas.

Bob carried his desire and love of music into the ministry and would often break into a complimenting song during his messages. Combining gospel music and “popular” music all played an important part of his life (even up to the last Saturday night of his life on earth, December 22, 2007, he listened and sang along with the Lawrence Welk band on the TV in his hospital room). Bob always enjoyed singing and, he prayed that this Memorial Service, his own, will make you want to sing- so, Sing with all your Heart.

Robbie Parker Peterson
Source: 2008 Louisiana Annual Conference Journal