Vernon Pederson

Vernon Pederson, 83, of Starbuck, went home to Jesus on December 21 ^st , 2009.

Vernon was born to Elmer and Mable (Knutson) Pederson on June 6, 1926. He was baptized and confirmed in his beloved East Zion Lutheran Church in which his grandfather and great uncles were founders. Vernon ’s deep love of Jesus was nurtured throughout his years at East Zion .

Vernon attended country school in District 59 and his high school years at Starbuck High School . He graduated in 1944. He then met a “new teacher” in town, Dorothy Windhorn, and in 1949 they were married. To this union three children were born, Barry, Barbara and Brent. Vernon was a devoted husband and father.

They engaged in farming until 1959. In 1960 Vernon began a new career with the Surge Dairy Company. Many customers became dear friends. Vernon was known as a “good guy” and a “man of his word”. He retired from Surge in 1984.

Vernon served his church and community in a multitude of ways. He taught Sunday School, was a Luther League Adviser, served on the church council, sang in, and for a time, directed the church choir and was active with the 4 H program. Vernon also served on the Blue Mounds Township and the Minnewaska Lutheran Home Board of Directors.

After 56 years of marriage, Dorothy died of Alzheimers’s Disease in 2005. Through those last difficult years, Vernon modeled for us what true love, devotion and patience look like.

Vernon was a fun dad and grandpa - his sense of humor, smile and twinkle in his eyes were contagious. He had a zest for life and will be greatly missed.

Preceded in death by: his wife Dorothy; sisters and brother: Eleanor Gorder, Ilene Larson and Curt Pederson; Brother-in-law: Jacob Gorder; Nieces: Randi Tait, Betty Minnick, and Karen Koehler.

Survived by: Children: Barry (Jane) Pederson, Barb (Chuck) Wiener and Brent (Sheri) Pederson; Grandchildren: Shea (Jeremiah) Heine, Kristen (Jason) Grode, Megan (Jon) Stewart, Matthew Wiener, Andrew (Kristen) Wiener, McKenzie (Nate) Pederson, Britta Pederson, Hanna Pederson; Great Grandchildren: Brooklyn, Peyton, Avrey, Audrey, and Maya; Brothers: Dean (Pat) Pederson, Earl (Karen) Pederson; Sister-in-law: Lee Pederson; Brother-in-law/Sister-in-law: George and Delores Sturm and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers for the service are: Eric Danielson, LuVerne Forbord, Keith Knutson, Wayne Lien, DeWayne Mix and Todd Berg. Honorary pallbearers are: Julian Stadsvold and Maynard Lundebrek. Monica Gosseling will serve as organist for the service with 4 Zion and Joy Dubois will provide special music. Arrangements are with the Starbuck Funeral Home