Robert Pederson

Robert was born on June 19, 1919 in Appleton, MN, the son of Martin N. and Jenny (Houge) Pederson.  He grew up in Mantorville, MN, where he received his education, and graduated from Mantorville High School as Valedictorian in 1936.  Bob received a full tuition scholarship to St. Olaf University but was unable to afford room and board.  As a result, he moved to Appleton, MN to live with his grandparents, where he also received one year of college education.

In 1937, Bob began working as a bookkeeper at Farmers and Merchants State Bank in Appleton.  While working at the bank, Bob met his future wife, Louise Helen Reed, and they were married on July 6, 1941.

Bob served in the United States Navy from January of 1943 until being honorably discharged in February of 1946.  During his time in the service, he spent time in Hawaii, Iwo Jima, and Japan.  Following his discharge, he returned to Farmers and Merchants State Bank in Appleton, eventually purchasing the bank in 1967, along with two partners.  Bob retired in 1984, and the couple moved to Otter Tail Lake, spending winters in Florida.  In 2006, Bob and Louise moved to Park Gardens in Fergus Falls, where he has since resided.

Bob was a man of strong faith, with a kind, generous and humble spirit.  He was dedicated to his family, church & community.  He quietly provided help to many in need.

Bob was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton, where he served as vice president, president, and treasurer.  After moving to Ottertail Lake, he was a member of First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake.  While living in Appleton, Bob was involved in the Gold Band couples club, Minnesota State Guard, Commander of the Appleton VFW Post 4955, VFW Post Adjutant, finance officer of the American Legion Post #72, and was active in Kiwanis, Jaycees, and served as treasurer of the Swift County Fair. He was also President of Swift County Bankers Association, President of West Central Minnesota Branch of NABAC, and a Member of the Agriculture Committee of the Minnesota Bankers Association.

Bob greatly enjoyed baseball, playing in high school and taking part in Appleton city league play as well.  He also enjoyed golfing, hunting, dancing with Louise, and playing bridge.  Bob continued enjoying to play bridge at the Fergus Falls Senior Center. He loved spending time with his family, & they all especially loved spending time together at the lake home on Ottertail.

Bob passed away in the evening of December 29, 2018, surrounded by his family at his home at Park Gardens in Fergus Falls under the care of hospice. He had reached the age of “99 & ½” (as Bob liked saying with a grin). He is survived by his children: Cindy (Neil) Dahlseid of Fergus Falls, Drew (Ruth) Pederson of Maple Grove, and Janine (Brian) Wojtalewicz of Appleton; grandchildren: Jeff (Tina) Dahlseid, Todd (Jody) Dahlseid, and Brett (Julie) Dahlseid; Ryan (Jamie) Pederson, and Nick (Kiira) Pederson; Scott (Connie) Swenson, Jodi (Steve) Sterud,  Brinna (Jeremy) Langford, and Casey (Ally Walsh) Wojtalewicz; and 17 great-grandchildren: Aidan, Liam & Rowan Dahlseid; Maddie & Jakob Dahlseid; Hadlie, Silas, Finn & Teagan Dahlseid; Kailey & Kaleb Pederson; Tucker Swenson; Cody (Sara Knigge) Fastenau; Jordyn, Payton & Brooklyn Sterud; and Oliver Langford.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Myron Pederson, and his wife, Louise (12-9-2010), as well as numerous other relatives.

Memorial Service: 11 AM Saturday, June 8, 2019, at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls, with visitation one hour prior to services.

Interment:  4:00 PM Saturday, June 8, 2019, at Appleton City Cemetery, Appleton, Minnesota, followed by a meal at the Appleton VFW.

Blessed be the Memory of Robert Pederson

Arrangements by Glende-Nilson Funeral Home – Fergus Falls.  Online Guestbook:  GlendeNilson.com

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