Merlin W. Peterson

Merlin W. "Pete" Peterson, 84, passed away Sunday, August 30, 2015 at his home in St. Johns. Merlin was born May 4, 1931 in St. David, Arizona, but spent most of his growing up years in Tucson. Throughout his high school years he loved building, maintaining and racing cars. During the Korean War he joined the army and became a paratrooper. After being honorably discharged, he went to work for Western Electric Company and worked for them until he retired after 32 years of service. He was also a talented silversmith and welder and enjoyed building ornamental iron works. After his retirement he moved to Show Low and became interested in solar power. He eventually installed solar systems all over the White Mountains as well as lived "off the grid" for over 25 years. He met and married his first wife, Ann Clair Bir in 1954 and they had 5 children. After they divorced, he married Shirlee Arndt Schroeder and became a father to her 3 children. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirlee and his daughter Ann Marie Peterson. He is survived by his sons, Merlin Bradly (Beth) Peterson, Joseph Kenneth (Laura) Peterson, John Schuyler Phillip Peterson, his daughter, Catherine Louise Peterson (Scott) Miller, his step-daughters Beth Schroeder Peterson, Laurie Schroeder (Hal) Burns, step-son Jeffrey Schroeder, 18 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. As per his wishes, no funeral services will be held.