Vernon A. Pederson

Vernon A. Pederson

1943 – 2020 Heaven gained a good Norwegian. Vernon Pederson, 76, Perham, MN, (formerly Moorhead, MN) died peacefully on October 6, 2020 at Bethany Retirement Home in Fargo, ND.

Vernon Arthur was born on October 23, 1943 in Thief River Falls, MN, to Gilbert and Olga (Larson) Pederson. He was raised and educated in Newfolden, MN, and graduated from Newfolden High School. Upon graduating high school, Vernon served in the U.S. Coast Guard until 1966. Following his discharge, he moved to Thief River Falls, MN to attend Northland Junior College. He attended Moorhead State University, graduating in 1970 with a Bachelor’s degree in business.

Vernon started working for Modern Woodmen of America after graduating college. He then began his career in real estate with Olson Realtors in Moorhead.  He later formed a partnership and started Real Estate Services where he served as the Broker for nearly 40 years.

Vernon married Patricia (Smith) on September 23, 1972 at Pontoppidan Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND.  They made their home in Moorhead, MN, splitting their time between Big Pine Lake in Perham and Fargo during retirement.

Vernon was a longtime member of Kiwanis Club, serving as President and volunteering for many lutefisk dinners. He was also a proud Norwegian as a member of the Sons of Norway and he always enjoyed telling the latest Ole and Lena joke. A cowboy at heart, Vernon was also a fan of horse racing, raising horses on his hobby farm near Downer, MN, and watching them race.  He loved horses as much or more than the racing, as he would often visit the horses and bring them toys/treats.

Vernon’s loving family includes his wife, Patricia and daughter, Laura (Jeff) Dropp; brother, Gaylord (Sonya), sister, Arlyce (Jim) Andrews, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Olga; parents in-law, Leman and Elvina Smith; brothers, Gerald and Bertyl; sisters in-law, Dorothy and Beverly; niece, Nancy and nephew, Brent.

Vernon would like to thank the nurses at Essentia and Bethany who have been of great service throughout his health issues.

Memorials may be sent to Bethlehem of New Solum, the MN Hooved Animal Rescue Foundation, or a charity of your choice.

Private Family Celebration of the Life of Vernon Pederson will be held (due to Covid-19) with livestream available here, on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 1:00 PM.

Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN.

An online version of Vern’s Memorial folder can be found here: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/64579459/dadfuneralprogram-onlinefinal