Esther Helen Pederson
Esther Helen Pederson, 90, Wells, Minn., previously of Kiester, Minn., passed away peacefully Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 at Parkview Care Center, Wells, Minn., surrounded by her family. A funeral service will be held Friday, Oct. 28, at 11 a.m. at Scarville Synod Lutheran Church, with Reverend Thomas Rank officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 27, from 5-8 p.m. at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home, Wells, Minn., and for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the Scarville Synod Lutheran Cemetery. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home, Wells, Minn., is assisting the family.
Esther was born May 18, 1926 on the family farm near Alcester, S.D., the daughter of Andrew and Emma (Husby) Ekanger. She attended Augustana Academy High School, Canton, S.D. and the Lutheran Bible Institute, Minneapolis, Minn. Esther graduated from Waldorf College, Forest City, with a degree in education.
While in Forest City, she met Arthur Bernhard Pederson, whom she married June 2, 1951 in Romsdal Lutheran Church, Hudson, S.D.
Esther taught elementary school for two years in Canton, S.D. Esther was a farm wife that, with her husband Art, raised six boys. She baled hay, milked cows, did chores and helped with harvest. Esther loved watching her boys grow up, get married and have children of their own. She loved the grandchildren and playing games with them. Esther enjoyed baking bread, and was known as the family picture taker. She loved having those holiday pictures. She was a faithful member of Scarville Synod Lutheran Church.
She is survived by her sons: Gary Pederson, Forest City; Ron Pederson, Waukon; David (Gloria) Pederson, Kiester, Minn.; Marv Pederson, Waseca, Minn.; Duane (Jessica) Pederson, Wells, Minn.; and Warren (Gloria) Pederson, Lino Lakes, Minn.; grandchildren: Tyler, Alex (Emma) and Ryan Pederson; Joshua and Jonathan Pederson; Nate, Brett and Luke Pederson; Marissa and Andrew Pederson; two brothers: Charles (Joyce) Ekanger,f Denver, Colo.; and Ernest Ekanger, Hudson, S.D.; as well as many nieces, nephews and their families.
Esther is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arthur; infant son, Gary Pederson; sister, Bertha (James) Jacobson; sisters-in-law: Pauline (Leonard) Kleveland, Clara Pederson, and Nancy Ekanger; and brother-in-law, John Pederson.
