MELINDA M. PETERSEN, 56 of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away Tuesday, July 19, 2011, at the Memorial Community Hospital in Blair, Nebraska.

Melinda Marie (Taylor) Petersen was born November 17, 1954, in Pomona, California, to Neil and Marie (White) Taylor.

Melinda was raised in Fresno, California. She received an associate’s degree in cosmetology. Mel enjoyed teaching preschool both in California and Nebraska. After moving to the Omaha area, Melinda worked in and managed several restaurants. She was also involved in the production of an Elvis impersonator stage show. Melinda then founded Kastle Kleaners.

On January 20, 2005, Melinda married Robert J. Petersen at Augustana Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska. The couple honeymooned at Walt Disney World.

In her free time Mel loved spending time with her family and baking. She and Bob also enjoyed traveling together.

She was preceded in death by her father, Neil Taylor.

Survivors include her husband, Robert; mother, Marie Winsett; brothers, David Taylor  and Kelley Taylor; children, Zachary Cohoe, Seth (Holly) Petersen, and Rebecca Petersen all of Omaha and Molly Petersen of Alexandria, Virginia; two grandchildren: Zachary and Samantha.

FUNERAL SERVICE:Monday, July 25, 2011, 10:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Tekamah, Nebraska

VISITATION: Sunday, July 24, 2011, with the family receiving friends from 5 - 8 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Home in Tekamah. Visitation will also be held Monday at the church one hour prior to the service.

BURIAL: At a later date

MEMORIALS: To the Family

Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.

pelanfuneralservices@hotmail.com