Merle Petersen, age 89 of Blair, passed away peacefully December 16, 2021. Private family services will be held.
Merle was born June 16, 1932 in rural Kimballton, Iowa the son of Jorgen and Martha Petersen. He attended Jacksonville #8 elementary school and later graduated from Elk Horn, Iowa High School in 1949. In his early life Merle began farming with his father and continued to farm his whole career. In 1956 he moved back to Iowa and farmed east of Elk Horn, where his 3 children Cindy, Curt and Cheryl were born. In 1965 the family moved north of Kimballton, Iowa where he continued to farm, raise hogs and feed cattle. In 1981 he married Joy Dixon Petersen and gained 3 more children, Sherry, Shane and Sheila Petersen. In 1982 Merle was elected to the Board of Directors of the REC. He found this very rewarding and met many people around the state and nation. In 1992 Merle and Joy moved from the farm into a home they restored in Elk Horn, Iowa. Merle retired from farming in 1994 but continued to help at the farm. In 2005 Merle and Joy moved to Blair and he would continue to commute back to the farm when his help was needed.
Merle loved his family and attending events that his children and grandchildren were involved in. He never met a stranger and had a gift of conversation. Merle and Joy were able to travel extensively, and enjoyed spending the last many winters in Yuma, Arizona.
Merle is survived by his beloved wife Joy and children, Cindy Steen, Curt (Cindy) Petersen, Cheryl (Sam) Sacco, children that entered his life in 1981 Shane (Kathy) Petersen, Sheila (Ron) Martin, Grandchildren, Trevor (Briana) Steen, Cody (Kaitlynn) Steen, Brandi(Nick) Pierce, Jamie (Megan) Petersen, Danielle Petersen, Taylor Petersen, Justine (Matt) Sullivan, Krista (Buddy) Kauzlarich, Samantha (Kyle) Stinson, Tony (Kaylee) Sacco and Lindsey (Dustin) Long, 14 great grandchildren, sisters Pauline Bahnke and Ellen Whitaker, and sister in law Judy(bob) McMaster.
He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Sherry Petersen, and brothers in law Bill Bahnke and Warren Whitaker.
Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.
Private Services will be held. The Campbell Aman Funeral Home in Blair is in charge of arrangements.
