Rodney Gustav Peterson passed away peacefully July 1, 2025, surrounded by family and friends in Fort Worth. Born Oct. 12, 1939, in Stromsburg, Nebraska, Rodney grew up in a hardworking farming family with proud Swedish roots.

Rodney, known as Rod to many and Gus to some, will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and gifted man of many talents. From crafting a toy machine gun out of spare car parts, to playing instruments and singing by ear, to water skiing with children on his shoulders, there was little he couldn’t do. With an incredible mind for engineering, Rod could design nearly anything on the spot. His career took him all over, building pipelines and solving problems others couldn’t.

Beyond his technical skills, Rod was passionate about sharing the good news of God’s Kingdom and was deeply committed to supporting his local congregation. His faith was the foundation of his life and his source of strength.

Rod was preceded in death by his father Gustav Peterson, his mother Marian Peterson, and his grandson Ashton Peterson.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sondra Riley Peterson; his children, Robert Peterson and wife Edie, Ryshel Peterson Kenner and husband David, and Douglas Peterson and wife Christy; his grandchildren Kory, Haley, Sarah, Rylee, Taylor and Parker; and great-grandchildren Ryker, Naomi, Jack and Heidi. He is also survived by his siblings Janice Bond (Ralph), Sandra Johnston and Allen Peterson, as well as his sister-in-law Mary Yoesel (Wil); and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

A memorial service to celebrate Rodney’s life will be held Saturday, July 19 at 3 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 Pearson Lane in Azle.

The Azle News, July 9, 2025 Edition