Merle Jay Peterson

Merle J. Peterson was born on January 20, 1931 on a farm in Blooming Prairie, MN to Charley J. Peterson and Mary (Dutton) Peterson.

He attended Country School, Dist. # 45 and graduated from Blooming Prairie HS (The Blossoms) in 1948. On December 7, 1948, he enlisted in the US Army. He served 3 years of active duty including the Korean Conflict in 1950-51 ,1st Cav Division . He left active duty in 1951 and retired from the Army Reserves in 1991. He continued to serve as a Liaison Officer for West Point Military Academy until 2009. Merle attended Winona State Technical College and graduated in 1955 with a BS Degree in Industrial Arts, Math, Drivers Training and Coaching. He lettered in Football, Wrestling and Track. (Was on the 1st wrestling team at WSTC). College was a strong influence on his life.

After graduation in 1955, he started teaching at St. Charles HS. Duties included teaching, coaching, Drivers training, Department Chairman, Adult Evening Courses and Athletic Director. In 1964, he moved to Rochester and taught at Kellogg Junior High, retiring in 1986. He estimated teaching approximately 10,000 plus students in his teaching career.

Merle married Delores A. Fingarson on July 8, 1956, in Walnut Grove, MN. Delores passed away Dec. 27, 1998. On June 16, 2007, he married Betty (Fey) Wanberg. They spent over 18 cherished years together, enjoying special family life events and spending time with family.

He was active in many organizations. Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial was the most rewarding over a span of many years from its beginning. He still attended Korean War Club meetings and coffee group up until his passing. Kellogg Junior High teachers group also had a morning coffee group that he loved to attend.

In 1966, he purchased a resort cabin on Big Island Lake. Many weeks each summer were spent there together as a family. A favorite retreat for all for many years.

He enjoyed attending and watching sports, hunting, fishing, canoeing and outdoors in general. Woodworking was a favorite pastime. He has built, restored and repaired many items for many people in "the shop"

He deeply loved God. He lived a simple humble faith, the foundation of his life. He was thoughtful and caring. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed time spent together. He was forever grateful for his military service and years of teaching.

Merle is survived by his loving wife Betty, his children; Julie (Alan) Taylor, Katherine (Van) Bredeson, Joseph (Liz) Peterson, and Amy (Russ) Sullivan; grandchildren; Maren (Jesse), Sonja (Elliot), Grace (Adam), Megan, Kaitlyn, Nora, William, Mackenna, Sean, and Alec; great grandchildren; Etienne, Thoreau, Julian, Fiora, Clover, Ronan, and Meadow; Betty's children; Cheri (Jim) Baldwin, Lori (Jim) McKay, David Wanberg, and Martha Lopez; Betty's grandchildren; Emily (Justin), Anna, Allison (Mike), Delaney (Tyler), Lindsey, Sophia, Erik (Emma), and Michael (MaryBeth); and Betty's great grandchildren; Auggie, Reed, Kyla, Paige, Hannah, and Chloe.

Preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, his first wife, Delores and son in law, Van.

He will be remembered and treasured.

Memorials for Merle can be directed to Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 2124 Viola Road NE, Rochester, MN 55906.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 2124 Viola Road NE, Rochester, MN. Visitation will be from 12:30pm until the time of the service at the church. Burial will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Peterson family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.