Merle Petersen, 89

    BLAIR, NE -- Merle Petersen, 89, Blair, NE, formerly of Kimballton and Elk Horn, died December 16.  Private family services will be held.
    Petersen is survived by his wife, Joy; children, Cindy Steen, Curt (Cindy) Petersen, Cheryl (Sam) Sacco, Shane (Kathy) Petersen, Sheila (Ron) Martin; grandchildren, Trevor (Briana) Steen, Cody (Kaitlynn) Steen, Brandi (Nick) Pierce, Jamie (Megan) Petersen, Danielle Petersen, Taylor Petersen, Justine (Matt) Sullivan, Krista (Buddy) Kauzlarich, Samantha (Kyle) Stinson, Tony (Kaylee) Sacco, Lindsey (Dustin) Long, Ben (Linley) Petersen, Gracie (Kane) Eggers, Shay (Jennifer) Welshofer and Michaela Welshofer; 14 great grandchildren; sisters, Pauline Bahnke and Ellen Whitaker, and sister-in-law Judy (Bob) McMaster.