‘Phenomenal Batavian’ Bob Peterson remembered for service to his hometown

Lifelong Batavian Robert “Bob” Peterson is being remembered for the many ways he gave back to the community.

Peterson, 95, died Oct. 17.

Whether it was putting out fires as a volunteer firefighter, serving on the school board, leading an American Legion post or making sure the city’s history was preserved, Peterson, a third-generation Batavian, stepped up.

Peterson and his wife, Sue, were named the Batavia Citizens of the Year in 2011. Bob was inducted into the Batavia High School Hall of Honor in 2015.

“Bob Peterson was a phenomenal Batavian in his own way,” Mayor Jeff Schielke said at Monday’s city council meeting. “He was always there to do what he could to bolster Batavia.”

Among his credits, Peterson was:

• President of the Batavia Historical Society;

• Commander of American Legion Post 504;

• Member of the Batavia school board from 1971 to 1986, including at least nine years as president; and

• A volunteer firefighter from 1953 to 1971.

In addition to these roles, he also volunteered to deliver meals to senior citizens and served with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.

Peterson was president of the Class of 1948 at Batavia High School. After receiving a degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University and serving in the Army for two years, he returned home to join the family business, Batavia Foundry and Machine Co.

He is survived by his wife, Suzanne; three children; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A memorial visitation is from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday at Moss Family Funeral Home, 209 S. Batavia Ave. (Route 31), Batavia.