Donald M. Pederson

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Donald Pederson, Moorhead, MN, loving husband, beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother-in-law, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 27, 2011, at the age of eighty-eight.

Donald Meyer Pederson, son of Alfred and Nanna (Meyer) Pederson, was born in Argyle, MN, on May 14, 1922. When he was three years of age, the family moved to Ada, MN, where he graduated from high school in 1940. Don was active in basketball, football, band and choir.

After graduation, he enrolled at Concordia College in Moorhead. Then came World War II, which altered life for everyone. Don enlisted in the Navy V5 program and after advanced flight training, he received his wings in April 1943. He was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the Marine Air Corps and became a flight instructor until the end of the war, training Navy pilots to fly

Don returned to Concordia College after the war ended. While in college, he met Betty Lou Anderson of Fargo. They were married June 24, 1949, and in 1950, became a State Farm Insurance Agent. In 1952, he was recalled into the Marine Air Corps during the Korean conflict. As a Captain, Don flew ninety-three missions in a Sky Raider attack bomber earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and nine air medals. After the end of the Korean conflict, he returned to Moorhead where he and Betty raised their five children.

Don was a State Farm Agent until his retirement in 1995. He was an active member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, having served on the church council, and was a choir member for twenty-eight years. He was a member of the Moorhead Kiwanis Club and served as president in 1967. Don greatly enjoyed the game of tennis and the friends he made on the tennis courts but unfortunately, he had to give it up at the age of eighty-eight due to health reasons.

Don and Betty's lake home on Battle Lake was a special place for family and friends, providing many happy memories for all. Don enjoyed fishing, swimming, skiing, mowing, and sunning. Don also loved to play cards, which included cribbage, gin rummy, whist, and others. Don was a life-long Minnesota Vikings fan as well.

Loved ones to welcome him to his heavenly home include his parents; brother, Herman; and sisters, Helen Halderson, Dorothy Reinhardt, and Ruth Roesch.

He is survived by his wife Betty; daughter, Ann (Rod) Littlefield; sons, Ross (Loree), Roger (Dorothy), Reid (Jeanette), and Chris (Teresa); nine grandchildren, Lisa (Craig) Kessel, Kaia, John, and Jake Littlefield, Rachael, Connor, Sam, Josh, and Zach Pederson; a step grandson, Brock Pedersen; and two great-grandchildren, Avery Littlefield and Austin Kessel.

Gathering of Friends will be Friday, April 29, 2011, from 5 - 7 PM, with a Prayer Service at 7 PM, in Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 4000 28th Street South, Moorhead. The Celebration Service, with full military honors, will be Saturday, April 30, 2011, at 10 AM, in the church.