Mervyn R. Peterson

MERVYN RUSSELL PETERSON was born February 15, 1940, to Oliver and Marie (Jacobsen) Peterson in Tyler, Minnesota. The family lived near Russell, Minnesota until 1946, when they moved to a farm near Tyler. He graduated from Tyler High School in 1958, and attended South Dakota State University in Brookings. On June 22, 1963, Merv married Lois Christianson at First English Lutheran Church in Tyler. They lived on the farm where Merv grew up, until they moved into Tyler in 1988. They moved to Marshall, Minnesota in 2019. Merv and Lois were blessed with three children and nearly 57 years of life together.

Merv enjoyed his retirement parties, so he worked in several careers. The couple started their life together farming. Merv then worked as Parts Manager at Christianson Implement, and he had an amazing ability to remember numbers – he could recall many part numbers for decades later. He was interested in exploring new opportunities, and he and Lois founded and operated Viking Snacks in Tyler. He was a real estate agent, broker, and owner of Tyler Realty until 2018.

Throughout the 1970's he sang and played guitar in three country western bands—The Drifters, Four Winds, and Tequila Sunrise. He wrote and recorded two songs, “I Haven’t Got The Vaguest Idea” and “Everything Will Work Out Fine”. Merv was a member of First English Lutheran Church where he served on the Church Council and as President of the congregation. He served on the Tyler City Council from 2011 to 2015, and then served a term as Mayor of Tyler. He enjoyed following Minnesota sports teams and visiting casinos. He especially loved spending time with his grandkids, playing games such as pool, basketball, baseball, and board games.

On Thursday, April 23, 2020, Merv passed away at the Sunrise Manor in Tyler at the age of 80 years, two months, and eight days.

Merv is lovingly remembered by his wife, Lois; his children, Brenda Peterson of Maple Grove, and her children, Nicole (Ulisses), Erik, and Isaac; David (Shela) Peterson of Shakopee and their children, Rachel and Morgan; and Brian (Jenny) Peterson of Maple Grove and their children, Brecken and Jolea; in-laws, Bonnie Brinkman, Carolyn and Marvin Brinkman, and Maurice and Mona Christianson; and otherrelatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Marie Peterson; in-laws, Clarence (Chris) and Florence Christianson, and brother-in-law, Dwayne Brinkman.

Blessed be his memory.

Due to the current guidelines issued by the Minnesota Department of Health and CDC, a memorial service in honor of Merv will be held at a later date. Please return as Merv's service details will appear here as soon as they become available.