Dennis Allen Pederson

Obituary

     Dennis Allen Pederson was born February 9, 1943, in Hutchinson, Minnesota, the son of Waldemar and Bertha (Rice) Pederson. He was baptized on February 28, 1943 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Bird Island, and was confirmed in his faith on April 14, 1957, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hector. Dennis grew up in Hector, and graduated with the Class of 1961 from the Hector High School.  He continued his education at St. Cloud State University. Dennis served in the United States Marine Corps, and was honorably discharged June 3, 1966. On January 11, 1967, Dennis enlisted in the United States Army. He served in Vietnam and received the Combat Infantry Badge. He was honorably discharged on October 26, 1968, and continued serving in the United States Army Reserves until his honorable discharge on January 1, 1973.

     On December 6, 1969, Dennis was united in marriage to Cheryl Kettner at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Mankato. They made their home in Hector. Dennis worked road construction at Fairway in Hector, and Mark Sand and Gravel out of Fergus Falls. He worked a short time for Riley Brothers before he went to work for Duininck, Inc. as a road foreman. He retired in 2009.

     Dennis was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hector. He was also a member of the VFW in Fairfax and Hutchinson, and the Carl O. Potter American Legion Post #135 in Hector.  He enjoyed bowling and traveling. Dennis and Cheryl made great memories together on their trips to Mexico and Hawaii. Dennis liked to go ice fishing and deer hunting, and his pastime was reading western books. He liked to play cards, whist, buck, cribbage, 500, and more with family at birthday parties, and with friends at the Legion Club. 

     On Monday morning, February 16, 2015, Dennis passed away at Prairie Senior Cottages in Hutchinson, having reached the age of 72 years, 7 days.  Blessed be his memory.

     Dennis is survived by his: Wife, Cheryl Pederson of Hector; Sister, Wallene Pederson of Blaine; Mother-in-law Lanita Kettner of Mankato; Brothers-in-law: Lynnis Kettner and his wife Marvanna of Winthrop, Larry Kettner and his wife Linda of Kasota, and Lyle Kettner of Nicollet; Sisters-in-law: LeAnn Sweet and her husband Gerry of Bloomington, and Jean Lindemann and her husband Tom of Spicer; Niece Kristin Edwardson and her husband Roger, and their son, Riley; Nephews: Todd Kettner and his wife Paula, and their children, Zachary and Brianna, and Michael Kettner and his wife Kelly, and their children, Mitchell, Alison, and Andrew; many other relatives and friends.

     Dennis was preceded in death by his Parents, Waldemar and Bertha Pederson.