A funeral service for Gerald S. Pedersen, 86, of Ledyard was held Monday, March 18, 2024, at 10:30 AM at Bethany Evangelical and Reformed Church in Ledyard. Burial followed at Highland Home Cemetery in Ledyard with military honors conducted.
Gerald Soren Pedersen was born on a farm near Kiester, Minnesota on December 25, 1937, son of Soren and Violet (Selberg) Pedersen. He attended Grant Township School where he graduated in 1955. He married Dorothy Gade on October 27, 1957, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona.
Gerald started with odd jobs in Algona before he began farming in rural Ledyard. Gerald loved being on the tractor, fishing, or anything to do with the outdoors. He bonded with his grandchildren through fishing and the love of card games. He also loved to sing, and he never met a stranger.
Gerald put his family first by taking them on many vacations, water skiing, and attending their many schools and sporting activities. He spent many hours rooting for his grandchildren in their many school activities. He never missed an event and was the grandchildren’s biggest cheerleader.
Gerald Pedersen died Thursday, March 7, 2024, at Titonka Care Center at the age of 86. Gerald had a big heart and was loved by all.
He is survived by his three children, Patricia Larson and her husband Jim of Armstrong, Mark Pedersen and his wife Shelly of Ledyard, and Pamela Larson of Huxley, 13 grandchildren, Cody (Bethany) Larson, Heather (Adam) VanWyk, Amanda (Nate) Howard, Nicholas (Brooke) Larson, Jacob (Jordan) Larson, Gretchen Larson, Rachel Larson, Adam (Renee) Pedersen, Brett Pedersen, Blake (Beth) Pedersen, Trent (fiancé Avery) Pedersen, Courtney (Tyler) Lowy, and Ross Larson; and 22 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Caroline (Bill) Tokheim of San Antonio, Texas, his brothers, Hank (Pam) Pedersen of rural Swea City, and John (Connie) Pedersen or rural Ledyard; many nieces and nephews; and by his special friend Melva “Sis” Bargman of West Bend.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy on February 4, 2017; his son-in-law, Dallas Larson; and his parents.
Oakcrest Funeral Services of Bancroft in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made two www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.
