Howard F. Petersen, age 101, of Merrill, died Monday, February 10, 2014, at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill, under the care of his family, the resident staff, and hospice services.
Howard was born December 26, 1912, in Merrill, son of the late Hans Peter and Wilhelmina (Helbig) Petersen. He married Irene H. Fechtner on August 16, 1940. She preceded him in death on December 1, 2007. Howard retired in 1974 from Merrill Distributing Company, after 31 years of employment. Howard had been an active member of St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. He had been a member of the church’s Men’s Club, was a former Elder of the church, and volunteered his time at the church food stand located at the Lincoln County Fair Ground. Howard enjoyed fixing almost anything for family and friends.
Survivors include two daughters, Janet Petersen, Cottage Grove, and Judith (Donald) Mastaglio, Brookfield; two grandchildren, Michael (Betsey) Mastaglio, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, and Nicole (Andrew) Hoffmann, Milwaukee; and five great grandchildren, Evelyn, Penelope, and Greta Mastaglio, Noah Mastaglio, and Ronald Hoffmann. Howard is preceded in death by two sisters, Ella and Esther, and also by one brother, Walter.
The funeral will be at 11:30 A.M. Friday, February 14, 2014, in the Holy Cross Chapel at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill. The Rev. Joy Nelson-Jeffers will officiate. Burial will follow in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. Friday at Holy Cross Chapel, Bell Tower Residence. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com