(1944-2026)

Robert Lee Peterman, 81, of Little River, Kan., passed away June 30, 2026, at his home. He was born Nov. 14, 1944, in Ellsworth, Kan., the son of Ben and Rosaline (Panzer) Peterman. Robert has resided in Little River for the past 30 years, formerly of Lyons and Ellsworth. He graduated from Ellsworth High School with the Class of 1964. Robert served in the U.S. Navy for 28-plus years, from February 1965 until September 1992. He was a Navy aviation ordnance man and lead chief and assistant weapons officer, attaining the rank of Master Chief. After retirement from the Navy, Robert worked at North American Salt, Lyons, as a instrument electrician for 25 years. He was a member of Andover Lutheran Church, Windom, Kan.; Shriner’s International; lifetime member of Little River Masonic Lodge #219; lifetime member of VFW Great Bend #3111; Little River American Legion Post #0258; and Association of Aviation Ordnance Man. Robert enjoyed fishing, working on old vehicles and dad’s tractor, watching westerns, teasing his nephews and having a “cold one.”

On June 26, 1966, Robert was united in marriage with Sheila Harris in Ventura, Calif. She preceded him in death on Dec. 18, 2024. He is also preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Rob Peterman and Sean Peterman; two brothers, Eugene “Gene” Peterman and Wallace Murphy; sister Mary Lou Pflughoeft; and grandson Zachary Peterman Sr. Robert is survived by his daughter Karma Latasa (Leroy), Saint Johns, Fla.; sister Jessie Kralik, Ellsworth, Kan.; three grandchildren, Daniel Latasa (Chelsea), Saint Johns, Fla.; Shayne Peterman (Taylor), Little River, Kan.; and Savannah Peterman. Arkansas; three great-grandchildren, Zachary Lee Peterman Jr., Jaxon Peterman and Kylie Peterman; and numerous foster children.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday, July 6, 2026, at Andover Lutheran Church, Windom, with Pastor Anna Borders officiating. Burial will follow at Bean Memorial Cemetery, Little River. Honors will be from the U.S. Navy Honor Guard, American Legion and Masonic Rites. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons, with family present. Memorials may be given to Wounded Warrior Project or Shriner’s International in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.