Marion J. Pederson, age 88, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2016, surrounded by family at Golden Manor Memory Care in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Marion Sirjord was born to Olaf & Marie (Ystenes) Sirjord on January 19, 1928, on her parents' farm in rural Gary, MN. As the eldest child of six, she was a good helper on the farm, whether it was helping with her siblings, milking cows or whatever else needed to be done. Marion attended and graduated from school in Gary. On March 13, 1948, Marion was united in marriage to Palmer Pederson at Faaberg Lutheran Church in Rindal, MN. Following their marriage, they purchased a farm in Mahnomen County where they farmed side by side. She helped with the dairy, beef, and small grain as well as raising their large family. Marion enjoyed being active in the community where she was a member of the Happy Hookers Homemakers Club, the quilters club, and bowled on a league. She was a devoted member of First Lutheran Church serving as a Sunday school teacher and making cinnamon rolls to be served after choir for many years. Marion and Palmer were also active with 4-H and Farmers Union. Marion was a wonderful homemaker and was well known for her famous molasses cookies and her crocheting, needlework and quilting, which her family has enjoyed.

As they retired they spent their winters in Southern Texas. In 1983, they moved into Mahnomen and were always busy with community events. They also enjoyed dancing, playing cards, going to flea markets, and visiting with friends. But most of all, they enjoyed family get-togethers with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Marion bravely battled with memory loss for many years and at the age of 79, she entered the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home. Palmer passed away in 2012 and last fall Marion moved to Detroit Lakes.

Surviving Marion are her children: Marcia Pederson of Wahpeton, ND, Bonnie (Paul) Raduns of Sauk Rapids, MN, Dean (Pam) of Mahnomen, MN, David (Heather) of Lake Park, MN, Sheila (Mike) Hondl of Lakeville, MN, and Jeanine (Steve) Houska of Mahnomen, MN; one daughter-in-law, Jennifer Pederson of St. Cloud, MN; 14 grandchildren: Jill (Paul) Phillip, Nevin Pederson, Geoff (Katiana) Raduns, Laura (Joe Hommerding) Raduns, Nathan (Sarah) Raduns, Kristi (LeRoy) Sisco, Heather Pederson, Nicholas (Jody) Pederson, Wendy Pederson, Tyler Hondl, Megan Hondl, Cory Houska, Heidi (Ross Halland) Houska and Eric Houska; 11 great grandchildren: Jackson, Payton, Summer, Jesse, Lee, Levi, Theo, Kinley, Ashley, Drake and Kaylen; and one great great granddaughter, Zoe. Marion is also survived by two sisters: Bernice Sundet and Wanda (Arne) Benson; one sister-in-law, Kathy Sirjord and one brother-in-law, Alton Peterson, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Marion was preceded in death by her husband, Palmer; two sons, Neiland in 1956 and Paul in 2006; her parents, Olaf and Marie; two brothers, Omar (Pauline) and John; one sister, Maria (Arvid) Sather and brothers and sisters-in-law: Edmond (Marge) Pederson, Norris Pederson, Alyce Peterson and John Sundet.

Funeral Services were held at 10:00 am on Friday, July 8, 2016, at First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen, MN. Visitation was held on Thursday, July 7, 2016, at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Visitation was also be one hour prior to the funeral at the church on Friday. Interment took place at First Lutheran Cemetery in Mahnomen.