Merwin Arling Petersen

Merwin Arling Petersen, age 94, of Breckenridge, MN, passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at St. Francis Hospital of Breckenridge. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., on Monday, June 16, 2025, at United Methodist Church, Breckenridge, MN, with a visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. Pastor Shandon Klein will be officiating the service. Burial will be held in Riverside Cemetery, Breckenridge. Arrangements have been entrusted to Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge.

Merwin was born on January 24, 1931, near Wheaton, MN, the youngest of six children born to Fredrick and Christina (Theisen) Petersen. He began his education in a country school and later attended Campbell School, graduating with the class of 1949. On September 23, 1951, Merwin was united in marriage to Annabel Burhans at Doran Presbyterian Church. Together, they embarked on a life full of enterprise and partnership.

Merwin and Annabel farmed until 1963, then they acquired Breck Lanes which they operated for 20 years. In 1977, they acquired Cal’s Diner, which they managed for five years, and then opened Ann’s Shoebox for the next decade.

Merwin was always a ‘farmer’ and spent many years owning and operating his custom combining operation. His crew, consisting of himself and a young team of valued workers, would take his school bus/camper along with trucks, headers, and combines and drive from Breckenridge to start combining in Enid, Oklahoma. Then they traveled northward as the crops were ready for harvest. He did this until 1989 when he began working at Wil-Rich with his friend Harvey Andel.

Merwin and Annabel were dedicated members of the Eagles Club in Wahpeton where they enjoyed dancing on Saturday nights, and volunteering to help serve meals. Merwin found great joy in the outdoors, particularly in fishing and hunting with Harvey Andel, family, and friends. He was an excellent bowler who delighted in competing with any and all whenever he had the chance. Merwin loved watching and listening to his favorite Minnesota sports teams, but his favorite team by far was the Minnesota Twins, whether winning or losing. He took the time, daily, to have coffee and/or play pinochle—he so enjoyed socializing and playing with his many friends. And through it all, he skillfully balanced his responsibilities as a family man, farmer, and businessman.

Merwin will be greatly missed by his daughters, Sharon (Brian) Caspers of Fargo, ND; Diane (Tim) Fox of West Fargo, ND; and Patricia (Gene) Harris of Wahpeton, ND; Harvey Andel, his lifelong best friend; and Donna Holden, his beloved niece. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Annabel Petersen; his son, James Petersen; grandson, Michael Cremers; daughter-in-law, Judy Petersen; his parents, Fredrick and Christina Petersen; his brothers, Orville, Dale, and Robert Petersen; and his sisters, Ardis Kuehn and Bernice Evert.

Merwin will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to family, friends, community, and hard work. He will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to United Methodist Church of Breckenridge and CHI Hospice of Breckenridge.