Gary W. Pederson was born September 8, 1961, in Coco Solo, Panama, the son of Gordon Roy and Betty (Ballard) Pederson. He spent his childhood years travelling with his family while his father was serving in the US Army. He began his schooling in Taiwan before to Wall where he grew up and received his education. While going to school, Gary worked for his dad at the Elkton House in Wall. After graduating from Wall High School, Gary travelled the country in search of fossils, and motorcycle races with friends such as Phillip Hauk. He worked in the Newspaper business from California to Iowa, where he managed one with his father Gordon. Besides managing the Dairy Queen, he spent all his years driving Gordon in parades, and hanging up political signs. After a short time in Chamberlain, Gary made his permanent home in Wall, where he worked at the Cactus, and took care of his family.

Survivors include his mother Betty Pederson of Rapid City; one brother, James Pederson of Yankton; four nephews Nick Niemann of Edwardsville, Illinois, Tyler Niemann of Houston, Texas, Matthew Holub of Mason City, Iowa, and Grant Holub of Rapid City; one great-niece Alyssa Niemann; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his father Gordon Roy Pederson; and two sisters Carol Naescher and Nancy Holub.

Funeral services will be held 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 12, at the First Lutheran Church in Wall, with Pastor Kent Borglum officiating.

Interment will be at the Wall Cemetery.