Gordon Helmer Pederson

Gordon Helmer Pederson, age 78, of Menahga, Minnesota died of cancer on March 25, 2010 at his home, surrounded by his family. Gordon was born to Helmer and Mary (Beck) Pederson on August 30, 1931 in Perham, Minnesota. He moved to Menahga with his family as a young boy. He attended Menahga Public School and graduated in 1949. After graduating, he worked as a railroad telegrapher on the Iron Range. He was united in marriage to Milja Karkinen in 1950 and five children were born to the marriage. They returned to Menahga in 1954 and he was employed by the local Standard Oil Agent. Milja died in 1959. He was united in marriage to Janice Brasel in 1962. Daughter Sarah was born in 1968. Gordon purchased the Standard Oil distributorship in 1961 and changed the name to Pederson Oil, which he owned and operated until 1997. He was actively involved in the Menahga community and served as a fireman and a Boy Scout Leader. He also held various offices in the Menahga Civic and Commerce Association, the Menahga Development Corporation and the Menahga Cemetery Board. He was a lifetime member of the First English Lutheran Church in Menahga where he served as Financial Treasurer for many years. Gordon was an avid fisherman and hunter. He and Jan enjoyed travelling to the mountains and spending winters in Florida. He was family oriented and was much admired for his quiet integrity and strength. Gordon is survived by his wife of 47 years, Janice; daughters, Karen Petterson (Kyle), Sue Potter (Steve), Sarah Murn (Tom); sons, Steve Pederson (Jane), Tim Pederson (Monica), Jim Pederson (Elissa) and 14 grandchildren, Justin Pederson, Luke Petterson, Tom Petterson, Alison Potter, Kimberly (Potter) Bennett, Andrew Pederson, Alex Pederson, Bill Pederson, Ian Pederson, Chelsea Murn, Caitlin Murn, Zachary Murn, Madison Murn and Dan Huiting; and great grandchild Madeline. He was preceded in death by his parents and first wife, brothers Herb, Russell, Ralph; sisters, Rosemary Pederson, Lorraine Ritchie and Carol McDermeit Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Sunday, March 28, 2010 at First English Lutheran Church in Menahga. Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 PM Monday, March 29, 2010 at the First English Lutheran Church in Menahga with Pastor Steven A. Bruer officiating. Tom Petterson will serve as organist/pianist. Honorary Pallbearers are his grandchildren and great grandchild. Congregational hymns are “Beautiful Saviour,” “Borning Cry,” “Precious Lord, take My Hand,” and “Because He Lives.” Inurnment Menahga City Cemetery at a later date.