Clifford Pederson

Clifford was born June 16, 1911, in Pelican Rapids, the son of Parelius and Gina (Sorenson) Pederson, and was raised along with six brothers and six sisters. The farm home was located five miles north of Pelican. He attended country school at District # 217, located on the Southeast edge of Sand Lake, a two-mile trek across the fields. During those years, his father always had the horses ready and when the weather required it, he used a snow sled. He helped with the farming until he enlisted in the United States Army during World War II, serving from 1942 to 1946. He attended cook's and baker's school at Camp Cooke, California. He served overseas with the Anti-tank Company 387th Infantry Regiment, earning the rank of Sergeant. After the war, he worked for Boise-Cascade Paper Company in International Falls, MN, as a head truck driver for twenty-five years. During this time he met and married Bonnie Fults on December 28, 1957. Three children were born to this union, Valerie, Faron and Wade. Bonnie died at the age of 28 on October 5, 1966, leaving Clifford to care for three young children. In 1972 Clifford moved his family to a farm east of Pelican. On June 14, 1980 Clifford married Georgia Onstad. After health issues came about, he was cared for at the Love N' Care facility in Pelican Rapids, then later entered the Good Samaritan Nursing Home.Clifford enjoyed gardening, and his "tiller" was his toy. Fishing was his greatest joy; he would often tell his children and grandchildren how much he enjoyed fishing. Clifford was an early riser, cooking a hardy meal for his family, and a hard worker. He enjoyed life to the max, and had a great sense of humor.Clifford was a member of Bethel Lutheran church in Pelican, which is now a residential home, the tower and bell are still in place. Clifford's father was the builder of the church (1917-1919) where the family was very active.Clifford, age 96, passed away on Friday, February 22, 2008, at the Good Samaritan Center in Pelican Rapids.Clifford is survived by his daughter: Valerie Fodstad of Dent, MN; 2 sons: Faron (Michelle) Pederson of Pelican Rapids, and Wade Pederson of Pelican Rapids; 5 grandchildren:Jamie Kulsrud, Jessica Kulsrud, Kelly Fodstad, Joey Pederson and Amanda Pederson; 2 great-grandchildren:Casey and Sophia; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bonnie; 6 brothers: Palmer, Bennie, Ervin, Lawrence, Raymond and Morris; and 6 sisters: Vernice as an infant, Mabel Westby, Agnes Boe, Hilda (Svare) Wetterstrom, Edna Kjos and Gladys Lethenstrom. Blessed Be The Memory Clifford PedersonMemorial preferred to the Good Samaritan Center, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota