Robert Donald Petterson

Robert Donald Petterson

October 26, 1954 - 

January 17, 2026

Robert Donald Petterson, 71, passed away peacefully at his home Jan. 17, 2026 with his family by his side. Born Oct. 26, 1954, he was the youngest of four children born to Donald Victor Petterson and Doris Mae (Kunes) Petterson.

Bob graduated from Melrose schools in 1972. He attended vocational training in La Crosse and Madison, ultimately finding his career in telecommunications as an independent contractor.  

Bob specialized as a fiber and copper cable splicer, building a career that spanned more than four decades until his retirement in 2019. Contract work suited him well, providing the freedom to travel, choose his work and maintain the independence he valued. 

He is survived by his wife, RoxAnne Rooney Petterson; his son, Joshua Petterson; and his son’s wife, Kristin Greenwood. He is also survived by his sisters, Donna (Norman) Davis, Suzanne (David) Frey and Julie (Anthony) Gruber; as well as brothers- and sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.

He will be fondly remembered and held in the hearts of those who knew him.

A private internment will be held at the Melrose Cemetery, and a public celebration of Bob’s life will be held Sunday, May 24, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Melrose.