Norma Eleanora Pederson

Norma E. Pederson of Menahga, Minnesota passed away on Thursday, October 2, 2014 at Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga. Norma Eleanora Johansen Pederson was born on November 25, 1922 to Carl J. Johansen and Sophie (Ollila) Johansen in Runeberg Township of Becker County. She was the last surviving of 15 children. A lifetime resident of Menahga, Norma attended Upwood School in Becker County and graduated with the Menahga High School class of 1941. She worked at Bill Young’s Cafe and as a clerk at Spangler’s Food Market. She was a cook at the Menahga Public School for 23 years. Norma was united in marriage to Robert (Bob) Pederson on July 24, 1943. They had four children: Barbara (Larry) Schleicher of Menahga, Larry (Eileen) Pederson of Kennewick, Washington, Judy (Terry) Maaninga of Menahga, and Julie (James) Steinkraus of Clearwater, Minnesota. Norma is survived by 9 grandchildren: Leigh, Steve, Marta, Karin, Erik, Justin, Jamie, Jory and Jana and 12 great-grandchildren: Julia, Will, Samuel, Luka, Aiden, Asher, Ava, Sim, Nora, Madelyn, Eli and Sophie; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was a long time member of First English Lutheran Church of Menahga where she served on the council, altar guild, and women’s organizations. Norma spent many happy hours making quilts to send overseas. She was a member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary and volunteered at the Menahga Museum and Green Pine Acres Nursing Home. Norma enjoyed crossword puzzles and usually had the Sunday puzzle completed before church. She enjoyed baking, sewing, gardening, and after retirement, began rug weaving with a loom built by her husband. Norma will be remembered for her quick wit and sense of humor, as well as being empathetic to those in need. Norma was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sisters: Aliina, Julia, Clara, Viola, and Ruth, and brothers: Rudolph, Ludwig, Mauritz, Hartman, Fred, Eugene, Walter, Raymond and Ralph. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. at First English Lutheran Church in Menahga on Thursday, October 9, 2014. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Menahga City Cemetery.