Richard (Dick) Pederson of Cumberland, Wisconsin transitioned to his heavenly home on June 14, 2024 at age 88. Dick is survived by Marge, his loving and dedicated wife of 63 years; children: Bryce (Becky) Pederson, Brenda Green, Miriam Marting; grandchildren: Sarah (Aaron) Simonis, Kelsey (Brian) Thompson, Summer (Derrick) Kapayou, Christian and Logan Pederson, Kendra (Tim) Goff, Ben (Ashley) Green, Alyssa (Tim) Wegleitner, Spenser (Anna) Marting, Drew, Josh, and Laurel Marting; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers Lawrence and George Pederson.

Dick was born on July 16, 1935 to Arnold and Signa (Molberg) Pederson. He grew up on a small farm near Cumberland and graduated from River Falls College. He was drafted into the Army and was stationed in Germany which gave him the opportunity to visit relatives in Norway and Sweden. Dick and Marge were married on August 26, 1960, the same day Marge completed her nursing degree at the University of Minnesota. After teaching at several high schools in western Wisconsin, Dick taught chemistry labs at River Falls College. Next he taught for 16 years at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy in Ohio before returning to Cumberland. While assisting on the family farm, he became a lay pastor and served Christian and Missionary Alliance churches in Comstock and Shell Lake. Dick was passionate about welcoming the migrant workers in the community, resulting in the beginning of a ministry in 1997 which continues today. Additionally, Dick served as a Washburn County Jail Chaplain (2004-2022). Only God knows how many lives he impacted through his years of teaching and other ministries including follow up visits to many who were released from jail. He loved to pray with and encourage others in their home and at church. He liked to write out the meaning of a person’s name for inmates, students, and others. He truly lived up to the meaning of his name: generous, powerful, compassionate.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, June 29 at 11am at Cumberland Baptist Church with visitation at 10am. Private burial will be at the Veterans Cemetery near Spooner. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to More Rejoicing Ministries (working with Hispanic migrants): PO Box 561 St Croix Falls, WI 54024.

Last Update: Jun 19, 2024 2:23 pm CDT