Merle Peterson, 96 of Watertown, formerly of Bradley, passed away on July 11, 2026 at Avantara Watertown. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. at Furness Funeral Home in Clark on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Burial will take place at Prairie Hill Cemetery in Bradley. A time of visitation will be held the evening prior, Friday, July 17, 2026 at Furness Funeral Home from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.
Merle Wendell Peterson was born on February 14, 1930 to Basil and Violet (Barton) Peterson. He was born at home with a midwife present. Merle attended school at Thorp and graduated from Bradley in 1948.
Merle and Lucille Schanbeck were married on March 18, 1951. To this union, three children were born: daughter Linette and sons Ron and Doyle. They started their married life farming and continued farming through a career with the U.S. Postal Service in Webster and Wallace.
Merle is survived by his daughter Linette (Terry) Batterman, sons Ron (Diane) and Doyle; seven grandkids; and 10 great-grandkids.
Preceding him in death are his wife, Lucille; his parents; his brother, Dale; Dale's wife, Alyce; and their son, Matthew.
