Daniel “Dan” Merrill Peterson
The smartest man in the world, Daniel “Dan” Merrill Petersen, 81, completed his last “Hail Mary” play on football Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020. This play call came with the greatest reward for him: a reunion like no other, with beloved family and numerous friends.
Dan was born May 31, 1939, to parents George Ludwig Petersen VII and Margaret Merrill. He was baptized, confi rmed and earned his 30-year Sunday School pin in the Presbyterian Church in Cornell.
He graduated from Cornell High School in 1957. Immediately following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army. For the next seven years, “Hot Lips” floated between Lincoln, Ill., Chicago, Ill., and Ashland, where he attended college and played some basketball.
Dan was set up on a blind date, New Year’s Eve, with his forever, Sharlene Marie Rivard. After a whirlwind romance, they were married July 17, 1965. From this union, he was blessed with his namesake, Daniel Merrill Jr., his “cheerleader,” Melissa Anne, and his tomboy, Melinda Anne.
The family traveled Minnesota, in 1982, in their RV and stumbled across Ortonville, Minn., where they have resided ever since.
Danny Boy was a kind soul, but was never wrong. He LOVED his family, his Packers and Wisconsin Badgers. Always game for a side bet, he was a quick-witted smart aleck, who liked to give history lessons or call KDIO to win the sports trivia question of the week, which (because he won every week) they barred him from playing but once a month.
Left to cherish his memory on earth, are the three beautiful girls in his life, wife – Sharlene; daughters – Missy (and whoever is next in her life) and Mindy (Jerrold) Peters; daughter-in-law – Maria Petersen; grandchildren – Jacob (Anessa) Petersen, Jenna (Jeff) Alex, Cole (Taylor) Peters, Jordan Oland, Tyler Peters, Kendall Gronholz, Nicholas Petersen and Kadyn Gronholz; great-grandchildren – Scarlett, Evelyn, Colton, Laine, Cecilia and another blessing set to arrive mid-May; brother – George (Lyn) Petersen; sistersin- law; brothers-in-law; and many nieces; nephews; greatnieces and great-nephews.
He was met in Heaven by his son – Daniel Merrill Jr; grandson – Justin Daniel Petersen; his father – George; his mother – Margaret; many aunts; uncles; cousins and many amazing friends.
We will miss him terribly, but his failing body could not hold his magnificent soul any longer. In honor of Dan, we ask you to say a little prayer…….Go Pack Go!
Services were held Sunday, Dec. 20, at noon, at First United Methodist Church in Ortonville, Minn. Visitation was held from 10 a.m. to noon, at the church. Pastor Barbara McKewin will officiate and interment will be at the Mound Cemetery in Ortonville, Minn.
Livestreaming and recording of the service is available.
Mundwiler and Larson Funeral Home in Ortonville, Minn., is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at mundwilerfuneralhome. net.
