Robert M. (Bob) Petermen, 92, died peacefully in the early morning hours of Dec. 3, 2009.

He was born May 25, 1917 in Cathlamet, Wash. to Pearl and Ellen Petermen. They moved to the Brownsville area when he was a young boy and he grew up roaming the hills, hunting and fishing and with a lifetime love of the out of doors.

Mr. Petermen and his wife Jean raised their family in Sweet Home, where he worked in the lumber industry until his retirement in 1985. They sold their home on Old Holley Road after 41 1/2 years, moving back to the Brownsville community close to where they both grew up.

All who knew Mr. Petermen knew of his love for his family, friends, music and the outdoors. He was an accomplished musician all his life, especially enjoying bluegrass and old-time country music.

After his move back to Brownsville, he became very active in the Senior Center and volunteered many hours there and in the Old Time Picture Gallery in the historic town. He took great pride in being awarded the Presidential Award for volunteerism in RSVP.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Jean; their four children, Edward Petermen of Brownsville, Carol Carnley of Albany,
Linda Franklin of Cottage Grove and Sarah Holland of Lebanon; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Mr. Petermen was preceded in death by 13 brothers and sisters; and by one granddaughter, Jeanna Plagman of Rawlings, Wyo.

A small memorial get-together will be held at the Senior Meal Site on Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Brownsville Christian Church, where Mr. Petermen was a member. At his request, no formal services are planned.

His family will hold an informal celebration of his life next spring, near his birthday.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.