Donald Pederson

Donald Pederson, 90, Twin Valley, MN died Saturday, February 9, 2013 at Sanford Health System, Fargo, ND. Donald Keith Pederson was born August 9, 1922 the son of Peter and Genevieve (Kittleson) Pederson in Thief River Falls, MN. Donald attended school there, graduating from Thief River High School with the class of 1940. After graduation, Don furthered his education for two years at St. Olaf in Northfield, MN where he lettered on the swim team. In March of 1943, he served his country during WWII by enlisting in the Air Force where he was an aircraft mechanic. After his honorable discharged in February of 1946, Don attended NDSU, graduating from the Pharmacy Department. On December 21, 1946 Don was united in marriage to Elaine Rambeck in Thief River Falls. The couple made their home in Northfield, Fargo, Hallock and Little Falls before purchasing Myers Pharmacy in Twin Valley in 1952. It was here that that they made their home and raised their four sons. After selling their pharmacy in 1977, Don managed LaQuinta Motels in the southern states for a year and a half. He then returned to pharmacy work and owned a drug store in Walnut Grove from 1980 until retiring in 1987, when they moved back to Twin Valley. Don decided retirement wasn't for him and was employed at the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen and the Heritage Center in Twin Valley for a several years. Elaine passed away October 23, 2001. Don moved into the Valley Pines Apartments in 2008 where he had continued to make his home. Don and Elaine enjoyed traveling with family and friends and spending time at Tulaby Lake. He loved riding and working on his motorcycles, and was still riding at age 84. His two favorite things to do were to ride motorcycle out to Tulaby Lake and then go for a swim. Other favorite pastimes included listening to music and in his older years, strumming on the guitar as well as playing cards with his friends at Valley Pines. Don loved animals, especially dogs and in his later years, he learned to love cats, too. Don was also a member of Zion Lutheran Church. Don is survived by his four sons: Scott (Maria), White Bear Lake, MN, Grant (Tammy) Saginaw, MN, Frank (Karla) Twin Valley, MN and Peter (Lisa) Twin Valley, MN; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife and an infant brother. Funeral services were held Friday, Feb. 15th at 11:00 am in the Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley, with visitation one hour prior to services at the church. Officiating was Pastor David Astrup with Danette Gwin serving as organist and Rhoda Habedank serving as vocalist. Pallbearers were Stanley Habedank, Cliff Fjeld, Jr., Rodney Syverson, Paul Rambeck, Larry Kjono and Paul Stadem. Honorary pallbearers were his grandchildren: Ben, Nick, Erik, Jenny, Kyle, Greta, Alex, Emily and Hunter and great-grandchild, Whylee. Military honors were provided by the Twin Valley Nesseth-Lien Post #431 of the American Legion and the MN National Guard Honor Guard. Burial was in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Twin Valley.

Donald Pederson

August 9, 1922 - February 9, 2013