Palmer R. Pederson, age 90, of Mahnomen, MN, died Monday, September 17, 2012 at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home.

Palmer Robert Pederson was born in Kittson County, Minnesota on August 16, 1922. He was the eldest son of Nils and Teckla (Erlandson) Pederson. Palmer attended country school in Norman County then furthered his education at Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, MN graduating from high school in 1941. After graduation, he helped his dad farm in Norman County. On March 13, 1948 Palmer was united in marriage to Marion Sirjord at Faaberg Lutheran Church in Rindal, MN. Palmer and Marion raised their family on their dairy, beef, and small grain farm in the Northwest corner of Mahnomen County. As they retired they spent their winters in Southern Texas. They enjoyed dancing, playing cards, going to flea markets and visiting with friends. In 1983, they moved to Mahnomen and Palmer was always busy with community events. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church and served on various boards including Farmers Union, FUMPA, ASCS Board, and the Cenex Board. He was also a very passionate member of DFL, the Mahnomen County Fairboard, and Running Brook 4-H Club. But most of all, Palmer enjoyed family get-togethers with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Palmer is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marion of Mahnomen; his children and grandchildren: daughter-in-law, Jennifer of St. Cloud, MN, and her children, Jill (Paul) and Nevin; daughter, Marcia Pederson (Gary Woodbury) of Wahpeton, ND; daughter, Bonnie (Paul) Raduns of Sauk Rapids, MN, and their children: Geoffrey (Phoebe), Laura (Joe), Nathan (Sarah); son, Dean (Pam) of Gary, MN, and their children: Kristi (LeRoy), Heather, Nicholas (Jody), and Wendy; son, David (Heather) of Mahnomen; daughter, Sheila (Mike) Hondl of Lakeville, MN, and their children, Tyler and Megan; daughter, Jeanine (Steve) Houska of Mahnomen and their children: Cory, Heidi, and Eric; and seven great grandchildren: Jackson, Peyton, Ashley, Drake, Summer, Jesse, and Levi. Palmer is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Alton Peterson and John (Kathy) Sirjord; sisters-in-law: Marge Pederson, Bernice Sundet, Wanda (Arne) Benson, and Maria Sather; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.


He was preceded in death by two sons, Neiland in 1956 and Paul in 2006; his parents; two brothers, Edmond and Norris; one sister, Alyce; and three brothers-in-law, John Sundet, Omar Sirjord, and Arvid Sather.

Blessed be the memory of Palmer R. Pederson.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, September 21, 2012 at First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen, with Pastor Tom Pairan officiating. Special Music will be provided by Kara Woodbury and Diane Kochmann will serve as organist. Serving as pallbearers will be Palmer's grandsons: Geoffrey Raduns, Nevin Pederson, Nicholas Pederson, Nathan Raduns, Cory Houska, Tyler Hondl, and Eric Houska. Palmer's granddaughters will be honorary bearers: Jill Phillipp, Kristi Sisco, Laura Raduns, Heather Pederson, Wendy Pederson, Heidi Houska, and Megan Hondl. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 20th at First Lutheran Church, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, with a Prayer Service at 6:30pm. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the funeral at the church on Friday. Interment will take place at First Lutheran Cemetery in Mahnomen.