Gerald R Pedersen (Hartville) 's Obituary
Gerald Ray Pedersen, son of Roy and Geneva (Eaton) Pedersen, was born May 18, 1943 in Wright County, Missouri. He departed this life Saturday morning, December 21, 2019, surrounded by family, at the age of seventy-seven years, seven months, and three days.
On October 18, 1973, Gerald was united in marriage to Mary McCleary and to this union they raised four children.
Gerald is preceded in death by a daughter, Melissa Kay Huntebrinker and his parents, Roy and Geneva Pedersen.
He is survived by his loving wife Mary, of the home; four children, Melissa Dedmon and her husband Dennis, of Hartville, Missouri, Tonja Crum and her husband Danny, of Marshfield, Missouri, Marty Pedersen and his wife LaDonna, of Hartville, Missouri, and Galen Pedersen and his wife Loni, of Hartville, Missouri; ten grandchildren, Korie, Michael, and Emily Huntebrinker, Ally Dedmon, Cody Dedmon and his wife Ellen, Justin Smith, Lillian Crum, Ella, Jolie, and Mason Pedersen; eight brothers and sisters, Herbert Pedersen, Phyllis Hensley, Linda Cravens, Ronnie Pedersen, Garry Pedersen, Brenda Bradshaw, Debbie Rost, and Don and Annabelle Cantrell; close friends, Lonnie Dowden and Don and Jane Adams; numerous nieces, nephews, and caring friends.
Gerald was born and raised in Hartville and graduated from Hartville High School in 1961. Gerald joined the military on May 23, 1966 and served in the Army Reserves until November 30, 1972. While he was working at his father’s garage, a beautiful young lady came in with a flat tire and after he fixed it, he took her out on a date every night. Almost a month to the date, Gerald and Mary got married and have been together for forty-six years. He also owned and operated Pedersen Automotive just outside of town. Gerald loved his work and often had two jobs to keep him busy.
Gerald was saved and baptized at an early age and attended the Elk Creek Baptist Church.
When Gerald wasn’t working it was easy to find him out in the woods or near a river. He loved to hunt, fish, and gig as much as he could. He also had a huge garden that he put out every spring that was famous for all the tomatoes, watermelons and vegetables it produced. Most importantly, Gerald loved his family, especially his grandchildren, with all of his heart. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and dear friend. We celebrate his life and will always cherish the many happy memories he created.
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