Bernard Raymond Peterson, Sr., 72, of Sioux City, passed away Saturday, September 14, 2013 at his residence. A memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 21, 2013 at Waterbury Funeral Service in Sergeant Bluff with Chad Cardwell officiating, and a luncheon to follow at the Sertoma Park. A visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at the funeral home.

Bernie was born on March 15, 1941 in Sioux City, the son of Bernhard and Frances Pedersen. He enlisted in the Navy in 1961 and served in the Vietnam War. He used his training as an electrician working at IBP for several years and at John Morrell, from which he retired in 2005.

In 1968, he married Darlene Stupka and together they had four sons. The Missouri River was his passion where he brought his family together to enjoy boating, water skiing, and fishing. NASCAR was also a favorite sport of his.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene, sons: Bernard Jr. (Joy), Brett, Brian (Stacee) and Barry (Brandy), one sister Rosie Casey, 11 grandchildren: Samantha, Adam, Bretta Lynn, Deseray, Abbigail, Anastacia, Shantel, Steven, McKayla, Courtney and Alexis, one great grandchild Lillianna, three step grandchildren, 12 step great-grandchildren, seven sisters-in-law, six brothers-in-law, many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters: Violet Dik, Joyce Wynn, and Mary Ellen “Mickey” Lauritsen, one sister-in-law, six brothers-in-law, and five nephews.