Robert A. "Bob" Peterson, age 76, of Frederic, Wisconsin, passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota, due to complications from kidney failure.

Bob was born June 12, 1950, in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, to Ethel and Russell Peterson. Raised in Hudson, he competed in high school football, wrestling, and track. During the summers, Bob worked on a game farm digging post holes. He joked that while the pay wasn’t much, his football coach never complained about how strong his shoulders got. He attended the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, where he double-majored in mathematics and physics, minored in coaching, and competed in cross-country, wrestling, and track.

It was at UWRF that he met Mary Ellen. When she told him she was headed to the campus library, Bob’s first thought was, “What library?” Though she initially wondered if he was just a dumb jock, Bob quickly won her over with his impeccably detailed atomic physics notes and his quick wit.

Bob and Mary Ellen were married in August 1973 and settled in Frederic, Wisconsin, where they raised their three children: Andy, Kimberly, and Melissa. Bob taught geometry, physical science, pre-calculus, calculus, and physics at Frederic High School for nearly four decades. Former students recall his classroom wisdom, including his insistence that March 4th was “the only day of the year that is also a command,” and his firm belief that “good enough” is usually neither “good” nor “enough.”

Early in his career, Bob founded the Frederic High School wrestling program and coached for 26 years. While proud of his athletes' many achievements, highlighted by the 1983 conference and regional championship team, Bob prided himself above all on holding young athletes accountable, instilling in them that hard work and character mattered far more than any win/loss record.

Bob felt most at home outdoors, hunting, fishing, and spending time with family at “The Shack” in Grantsburg. Among his fondest memories were fly-in fishing trips to Canada, filled with laughter, great company, and endless walleye.

Above all, Bob was fiercely loyal to his family. His children and three grandsons brought immense joy to his life, and he was a steady, supportive fixture at all of their games, meets, and school events. He watched with quiet pride, unconcerned with scores or playing time. Instead, he made sure they all knew what truly mattered by telling them how much he loved watching them, or sharing a simple, "I'm proud of you, kiddo." He brought laughter to every gathering, armed with quick wit and a legendary repertoire of jokes, most of which his family heard on repeat for decades. Though his classic lines were often met with affectionate groans, his sharp wit and deep devotion to his family never missed a beat.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ellen; their three children, Andy (Vanessa Curtis) Peterson of Iowa City, IA, Kimberly (Mitch) Thomason of Baldwin, WI, and Melissa Peterson of Lanham, MD; and his three cherished grandsons, Carson, Asher, and Brooks Thomason.

He is further survived by his brothers, Larry (Barbara) Peterson of River Falls, WI, and Steve (Janine) Peterson of Rice Lake, WI; his special uncle, Merlin (Gloria) Green of New Richmond, WI; many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews; his fishing buddies Dave Dopkins, Marty Messer, and Greg Wipperfurth; college wrestling friend Lindy Johnson; and lifelong friend Bill Engstrom. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Ethel Peterson.

Memorial Services will be held on Monday August 17, 2026 at 10:30AM at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Frederic, with a visitation gathering 1 hour prior to the service.

Last Update: Aug 10, 2026 10:15 am CDT