Merlin "Pete" Peterson was born February 19, 1929 in Wayne, Nebraska to Carsten and Freda (Puls) Peterson. As a young boy he went to live his life with Orville and Rosette Koch near Avoca, Nebraska. He attended school and graduated from Avoca in 1947. In 1951, he entered the service and served in the Korean War. He met the love of his life in late 40's and married Mary McLaughlin on July 20, 1951, celebrating 65 years this past July. To this union 3 wonderful children, Deb, Tom, and Don were born.

He has been an active member for 60 years of the American Legion Post 247. After returning home from the service he and Mary moved to Syracuse and worked for Snyder's John Deere, returning to Elmwood working for John Deere. After its closing, he worked at American Stores for 26 years. Its closing brought him back to work at the Elmwood Murdock Schools retiring after 12 years. After retirement, he was offered a position Grandpa's Woods Golf Course, and just a few years ago he quit.

He was active in his Church and served on the Fire department for many years. He saw that his family was always into fun activities and coached them in many games. Pete and Mary loved to travel and go dancing, to their favorite Band "Greg Spevak" . They took admission tickets for Greg's Band for 12 years at Fremont.

Pete loved mowing his beautiful yard and enjoyed helping others when needed. He was awarded the Good Neighbor Award this past year. Pete was a man that would help anyone.

He is survived by his wife Mary of Elmwood, his 3 children Deb (Coleman) Lenz, Don (Patti) Peterson, Tom Peterson and daughter-in-law Kathy Peterson. 8 grandchildren, Aaron (Deanne) Peterson, Chad Peterson and friend Kelly, Nate Peterson and friend Jenn, Nick (Allie) Peterson, Dustin (Ashley) Peterson, Carae (John) Oehlerking, Cassie (Clint) Dubas, Cory (Moriah) Lenz, 12 great grandchildren Derek, Haley and Kenzie Peterson, Liam Peterson, Tucker and Marissa Oehlerking, Cheston and Aubree Dubas, Aroara, Emmit Lenz, Callie and Brent Gaskill, sisters-in-law Eula Swarts and Verna Weyers, 3 step brothers, Kenneth, Clifford and Stanley Koch.

Preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, 5 sisters, brothers-in-law Howard, Dale, and Robert (Alma) Mclaughlin, Godparents Orville and Rosette Koch and Richard Koch.

Funeral will be at 1:30 P.M. on Friday, September 23rd at the Christian Church 311 North 5th Street, Elmwood, Nebraska, with burial in Elmwood Cemetery. Family suggest memorials to GAR Hall or Christian Church.

Visitation will be Thursday September 22nd from 1 PM until 8 P.M.and the family will greet friends from 6 P.M. until 8 P.M. all at the Church, 311 North 5th, Elmwood, NE

Condolences may be sent to fusselmanallenharvey.com

Fusselman-Allen-Harvey Funeral Home, 113 W "D" street, Elmwood, Nebraska 402-994-6575