Harriet M. Fort

Harriet Marie (Petersen) Fort 102 years of age, of DeWitt passed away at her home Thursday night, July 26, 2012. She was born in Axtel, NE on January 21, 1910. Harriet was the daughter of William and Ane Petersen, who came from Denmark early in the 20th century. As a small child, she lived with her family in various parts of Nebraska and Arkansas where her father practiced his trade as a blacksmith. When Harriet was 7 years old, the family settled in DeWitt. Harriet attended school in DeWitt and graduated from high school in 1928. She attended Peru State Teachers College and the University of Nebraska. She taught rural school for four years in Saline and Gage counties. She married Harold Fort in 1938. They were the parents of Marcia Bergmeyer and Joyce Holtmeier.

In addition to being devoted to her family, she was a dedicated business woman. Her career parallels the history of the Petersen Mfg. Co., her family's business. She participated in many phases of management and is credited with creating a marketing system of direct sales agents in the dead of the great depression of the 1930's. She was the company's first sales manager. She also carried the title of corporation Secretary/Treasurer; she was a director of Petersen Canada in Toronto and Petersen International stationed in Chicago. She remained active in the business until the company was sold in 1985.

Harriet was a life-long member of the DeWitt United Methodist Church. She taught Sunday School, was on the church board, was the church Treasurer for many years and was an active participant in the women's organization. She enjoyed writing, traveling, reading, family and business. She was active in various civic and community organizations. In addition to many awards, in 2000, she was inducted into the University of Nebraska College of Business Administration Hall of Fame.

Harriet is survived by two daughters, Marcia Bergmeyer and husband Harley; Joyce Holtmeier and husband, Jim all of DeWitt; by grandchildren, Heidi Cuca, John and wife Kristin Bergmeyer, Chuck and wife Tina Holtmeier, Cara and husband Josh Heller; by great-grandchildren, Ben and Meg Cuca, Allison Bergmeyer, Sydney and Sloane Holtmeier, Drey and Gage Heller; several nieces and nephews and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Ane Petersen, husband Harold "Charlie" Fort and brothers, Christian, Ralph and Richard Petersen.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at the United Methodist Church in DeWitt with Reverend Janice Farrell officiating. Interment will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery, DeWitt. The body will lie in state Monday from 1-9:00 P.M. at the Venrick-Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in DeWitt and at the church one hour preceding the service on Tuesday. A family prayer service will be held at 10:15 A.M. Tuesday at the church. A memorial has been established to the DeWitt United Methodist Church and the DeWitt Development Foundation with Mr. and Mrs. Galen Conn in charge. Sign Harriet's guest book at www.ghchapel.com. These services have been entrusted to the Venrick-Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in DeWitt.