Robert Lee Peterman

Robert Lee Peterman, 81, of Little River, Kansas, passed away June 30, 2026, at his home. He was born November 14, 1944, in Ellsworth, Kansas, 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 United States Navy for 28 plus years, from February of 1965 until September 1992. He was a navy aviation ordnanceman 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, 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 Ordnanceman. Robert enjoyed fishing, working on old vehicles and dad’s tractor, watching westerns, teasing his nephews and having a “cold one” On June 25, 1966, Robert was united in marriage with Sheila Harris in Ventura, California. She preceded him in death on December 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 and husband Leroy of Saint Johns, FL; sister, Jessie Kralik of Ellsworth, KS; three grandchildren, Daniel Latasa and wife Chelsea of Saint Johns, FL, Shayne Peterman and wife Taylor of Little River, KS, and Savannah Peterman of AR; three great-grandchildren, Zachary Lee Peterman Jr., Jaxon Peterman, and Kylie Peterman; and numerous foster children. Funeral service will be at 10:00 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 United States Navy Honor Guard, American Legion, and Masonic Rites. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 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.

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