Merton Norman Peitersen, 93, passed peacefully into the Lord’s Hands on April 7, 2023, at his home in Hedgesville.
Born January 20, 1930, in Graceville, MN to Manno Niels and Ellen (Wilberg) Peitersen. Mert spent most of his childhood growing up during the Great Depression and World War II. When the family moved to Halfa, Iowa, he found himself amongst many cousins and aunts and uncles living nearby.
After graduation from high school and community college, Mert served in the U.S. Army for four years, achieving the rank of Sergeant and receiving an Honorable Discharge. After the Army he enrolled at the University of Iowa, earning a bachelor’s degree in social work.
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t was at the University of Iowa where he met the love of his life, Mary Jane Harms, a nursing student. They were married for 56 years before her death in 2012.
Mert enjoyed a 20-year career working for the YMCA. Afterwards, he had a second 20+ year career working for the social security administration at its Woodlawn, MD headquarters location.
Upon his retirement in 2000, he and his wife moved from Catonsville, MD to their “cabin on a lake” retirement home in Hedgesville. Both were active members of their community and “church family” at Hedgesville United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his children, Mary Elizabeth Peitersen (Victor Charles Gearhart) and his son Matthew Niel Peitersen (Laura Elizabeth Peitersen), his grandchildren, Sean, Stephen, Rhiannon, and Sierra, and a younger brother, Daryl Lee Peitersen. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and another son, Marc, who passed away in 2019.
Known for his gregarious personality and his willingness to help others, he also leaves behind a large group of dear friends as well as his church family at Hedgesville Methodist.
A memorial service is being planned. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mert’s memory may be made to the Hedgesville United Methodist Church, 201 S. Mary Street, Hedgesville, WV 25427.
Arrangements by Brown Funeral Home.