Mervyn Peterson Obituary
It is with great sorrow we say goodbye to Mervyn W. Peterson who passed away on September 7, 2022.
Merv was born in Omak, Washington, on October 8, 1925, to Otto and Zelma Peterson, and was a lifelong resident of Marblemount, WA. When he was 15, he convinced a recruiter that he was “of age” and joined the Merchant Marines. He served in the Pacific Theater and was involved in several attacks from Japanese airstrikes.
After returning home, Merv and his brother, Lowell, began a combination Texaco service station and car dealership together in Concrete, WA. In 1952 he opened his Chevron service station in Marblemount.
Merv had a big heart and was always helping people in need. Among other things he helped with, was several of his customers who had seasonal jobs (logging). He “carried” their debt until they returned to work in the spring and could then catch up.
When he saw the dire need in the small town of La Penita, Mexico, he began gathering bicycles, school supplies, wheelchairs, crutches, various medical equipment, and toys for kids. He took these down every year and gave them to those in need.
Merv is survived by his wife, Delia; her daughter, Wendy (Dirk) Harper; his daughters, Lyn (John) Mohr, Gwen (Jerry)Tomlinson; nephew, Bart (Shelley) Peterson; niece, Cindee (Colin) Zastoupil; granddaughter, Kristin (David) Craig; grandsons, Danny (Ashley) Coggins, Terry (Amy) Coggins and Jeremy (Nikki) Sund; 10 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Zelma Peterson; brother, Lowell; nephew, Lowell O. Peterson, Jr., (aka Pete); his first wife “Jonnie”.
A Graveside service will be held at the Forest Park Cemetery in Concrete at 11:00, Saturday, October 8, 2022. A gathering following the service, will be held at the Marblemount Community Hall, 60155 State Rte. 20. Please share your memories of Mervyn and sign the online guest register.
I remember Merv as a man of few words, but always forthright and true, and so worthy of respect. He played a significant position in the upriver community, and I know personally of his admirable efforts with the people in and around La Peñita, a little town in Nayarit, Mexico. I am so honored to have been one of his trusted friends. Those privileged to have known him will never forget him. “Que en paz descanse.”