Merrill Peterson

Dr. Merrill A. Peterson, 73, of Indian Trail, North Carolina, formerly of Mount Pleasant, died Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Merrill was born December 21, 1950, in Mount Pleasant, IA, the son of Warren and Berniece (Bozarth) Peterson. He graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1969. He continued his education at the University of Iowa where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science & Master’s Degree, he then went on to earn his PhD at Iowa State University. On December 23, 1971, Merrill married his high school sweetheart Carol Kitch in Mount Pleasant, IA. The couple had three children and spent 38 wonderful years together before Carol’s death in 2009. Merrill was an environmental engineer for HNTB and Parsons Corp. He served as a project manager and southern region (United States & South America) Senior Vice President of operations. His work took him all across the country spending time in Tampa, FL, Indianapolis, IN, and Charlotte, NC. Merrill married Gertraud Krieger, on November 2, 2013, in Indianapolis, IN. Merrill enjoyed cooking and was a talented wood worker - crafting cabinets, furniture and butcher block tabletops. For years friends and family looked forward to a Christmas package full of homemade cookies and candies.  

Merrill is survived by his wife Gertraud of Indian Trail, NC; three children Megan Peterson of Indian Trail, NC, Erin Peterson of Indianapolis, IN, Aric (Amanda) Peterson of West Melbourne, FL; three granddaughters Annabelle, Alivia, Abigail of West Melbourne, FL; two sisters Janis Smith of Encinitas, CA, Carol (Randy) Ruggles of Mount Pleasant, IA; brother Don (Karen) Peterson of Madison, WI; sister-in-law Mary (Jerry) Zerm of South Lake, TX; brother-in-law Ralph (Valerie) Kitch of Cedar Rapids, IA, sister-in-law Linda Brock of St. Petersburg, FL; two step children Shannon Mulrooney of Seattle, WA, Ryan Mulrooney of Scottsdale, AZ, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Carol, infant brother Lynn Peterson, Uncle Everett Peterson, niece Sharon Smith, four brothers-in-law Duane Kitch, Bill Tinsman, Reid Brock and Ted Oliver, dog Gibson and grand-dog Tetley. 

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory. Burial will follow in the Forest Home Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed on Powell Funeral Homes Facebook page and at our website. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, the American Heart Association, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Humane Society of Union County (https://hsuc.org/). The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Merrill and his family. www.powellfuneralhomes.com