Robert Bach Petersen
October 24, 1922 — February 6, 2015
Our beloved father, grandfather, and friend, Robert B. Petersen, 92, returned to his beloved wife February 6, 2015. Robert was born on October 24, 1922, to Niels C. and Elleve Bach Petersen.
Robert loyally served his country as a staff sergeant in WWII. After his service in the U.S. Army he returned to his hometown, Manti Utah. There he met the love of his life, Merlene Funk. They were married on October 16, 1946. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple. Robert worked in California on the oil rigs then moved to Sandy Utah where he spent the sum of his life working as a foreman at Kennecott Copper Mine. He retired in 1982 and settled back to his beloved Manti.
Robert loved the mountains, he spent much of his life herding sheep and cattle up Manti Canyon. He was the embodiment of a true cowboy. Even during his last days he could recite every trail, campsite and lake with ease. All of his "cowboy stories" will be missed. Robert was a very social individual. Everywhere he went he was running into old friends or making new ones. He was best known for his outgoing and comedic personality. He could fill a room with laughter about as fast as he walked in.
He is survived by his Daughters: Bobetta (Willard) Evans, West Jordan, UT; Cristie (Mike) Thayne, Herriman, UT; Eileen Gileno, West Valley, UT; Merlene (Junior) Robison, Manti, UT; Carol (Todd) Miller, Manti, UT; "Son", Jim Penner, Stanton, California; Brothers: Thomas and Arvid Petersen. Including multiple generations of grandchildren.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents Niels C. and Elleve Bach Petersen, Wife
Merlene Funk Petersen, Daughter, Lynn Jensen, Son-in-law, Roger. Brothers: Dewey, Ted, Niels, Ralph, William and Jack. Sisters: Ida, Sena Nicholas, Rachael Mellor, Anna Najmon, Elva Tom and Oda Petersen.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at 12:00 Noon in the Manti LDS Stake Center, 555 East Union Street. Friends and Family may call Monday, February 9, 2015 from 6-8 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Stake Center. Interment will take place in the Manti City Cemetery with military rites by Manti American Legion Post #31. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com