Irene Pederson, age 82, of Gary, Minnesota, died Monday, September 18, 2006, in Gary.

Irene Rose Forsell was born January 4, 1924, the daughter of Paul and Jenny (Burtson) Forsell in Twin Valley, Minnesota. As a youngster, Irene attended school in District #11, Twin Valley. She was confirmed in her Lutheran faith by Pastor A.O.B. Molldrem in Gary. Irene graduated from Gary High School with the class of 1941. On June 10, 1944, Irene was united in marriage to Robert Pederson in Fertile, Minnesota. The couple made their home at Gary where they raised their three sons. Irene and Robert also owned and operated the L.B. Hartz Grocery Store in there for many years. Robert died January 31, 1998. Irene continued to make her home in Gary until the time of her death.

She was a life long member of Gary Lutheran Church where she served on the Executive Board of the Gary ALCW for many years. Irene also dedicated many years there as Sunday school superintendent as well as being a Sunday school teacher.
Irene enjoyed her involvement with the church as well as quilting, Friday night bingo, playing cards and cooking.

Irene is survived by her three sons, Michael (Michelle) of Cedar, MN, Reggie (Barbara) of Nampa, ID and Bradley (Laurie) of Spiritwood, ND; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant daughter, Kathy Jo, six brothers, two sisters, four sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, September 22, 2006, at 10:00 AM in Gary Lutheran Church, Gary. Officiating will be Pastor Jeff McCracken with Julia Mae Gullingsrud serving as organist. Special music will be provided by Candy Robertson, Jennifer Perkins, Celeste Forsell-Christensen and Jeanne Whitson. Pallbearers will be Dennis Forsell, Derik Forsell, Jerry Christensen, Ronnie Christensen, Josh Pederson and Wade Pederson. Honorary Pallbearers will be LeRoy Whitson, Aldean Burtson, Jim Pederson, Rick Pederson, Larry Pederson and Gary Forsell. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 21 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM in the Anderson Funeral Home, Twin Valley. Visitation will also be one hour before services at the church on Friday.

Burial will be in St. Petri Lutheran Cemetery, rural Gary.