Gordon Roy Pederson was born August 8, 1927, in Gayville, South Dakota, the son of Roy E. and Gladys (Masker) Pederson. He attended school in Rapid City, graduating from the Rapid City School System .
He was drafted into the Army for WWII serving from 1945 – 1947. He then attended Yankton College until 1950, when he was recalled in the Army as a Staff Sergeant in 1950 for the Korean Conflict. He also took courses from Florida State (Panama campus) and several military schools. Gordon was commissioned as an Infantry Officer in 1952. He served in the Korean War as a Rifle Platoon Leader and Intelligence Officer. He was united in marriage to Betty Ballard on March 8, 1955, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Gordon served for three years in Germany as a rifle company commander. In 1960 he went to Panama for three and a half years and served as an instructor at the U.S. Army Jungle Warfare Training Center and was post commander. He had to defend the post of Ft. Sherman during the 1964 Panamanian riots. In 1965 he was ordered to Vietnam and served one year as the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division Operations Officer and Intelligence Office. He was at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri where he was responsible for all training from 1966-1968. His last assignment was as an advisor to the U.S. Minister of National Defense R.O.C. and was liaison to then President Chiang Kai-shek of Taiwan. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after serving 23 years of active duty on 30 June 1970.
Returning home, he operated the Elkton House Restaurant and then the Wall Dairy Queen. He was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives in 1976, serving Wall and the State of South Dakota, for 30 years, leaving the legislature after the 2008 session. He was on the House Transportation Committee for 26 years, being chairman for 24, State Affairs Committee for 16 years and Vice Chairman for six years, Chairman of the Budget and Audit Committee for two years. He was a member of the Executive Board for 14 years of which he was Vice Chairman for two years.
During his years as a South Dakota House of Representative, Gordon received the following three legislative awards. In 2007 proclaimed Legislator of the Year by the South Dakota American Legion. In 2008 he received the new Highway Guardian Award from the South Dakota Highway Users Conference. On February 12, 2009, the South Dakota State Legislature proclaimed that day “Gordon R. Pederson Day.”
He has been an active Republican since 1948, when he became Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Yankton College Republicans. He attended the last nine National Republican Conventions from 1976 to 2008, and all state conventions since 1974 except one. He was the District 6 Chairman for the Reagan for President from 1976 to 1988.
His public service extended beyond his military and political careers, serving Lions Club International for 25 years, holding several offices. He was also a member of the Carroll-McDonald American Legion for 38 years, serving 26 years as Adjutant. He was also a member of the Wall Chamber of Commerce, and a past member of the Retired Officer’s Association, the Pennington County Council on Aging, the South Dakota Senior Services Advisory Board, and a great promoter of Wall. He has truly served with a sense of duty and what is right.
His biography has been included in Who’s Who in the Midwest, Who’s Who of America, and Who’s Who of the World for many, many years.
Survivors include his wife Betty Pederson of Wall; two sons Gary Pederson of Wall, and James Pederson of Yankton; two daughters Carol Naescher and her husband LeRoy of Oacoma, South Dakota, and Nancy Holub of Wall; four grandchildren Sgt. Nick Niemann and his wife Heather of Edwardsville, Illinois, Tyler Niemann of Houston, Texas, Matthew Holub of Mason City, Iowa, and Grant Holub of Wall; one great-granddaughter Alyssa Niemann; three sisters Audrey Harnisch and her husband Carl of Kingman, Arizona, Kay Leonard and her husband Bill of Wall, and JoAnn Metcalf and her husband Joe of Antioch, California; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Gordon was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters Lorraine Sisk and Natalie Wermager Foster.
Visitation was held 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 24, at the Wall High School Gym, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.
Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 25, at the Wall High School Gym, with Pastor Curtis Garland officiating.
Interment with full military honors was at the Wall Cemetery.
A memorial has been established.
FUNERAL SERVICES
Thursday, August 25, 2011 - 10:00 a.m.
Wall School Gym
Wall, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Curtis Garland
MUSIC
Mary Kay Wilson - Pianist
Paige Cordes - Vocalist
“On Eagles Wings”
“God Bless The USA”
Congregational Hymns
“Rock of Ages”
“Old Rugged Cross”
USHERS
Steve Eisenbraun - Van Simpfenderfer
PALLBEARERS
Sgt. Nick Niemann - Tyler Niemann
Matthew Holub - Grant “JT” Holub
Jim Marotz - Dan Sisk - Alyssa Niemann
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
Wall Cemetery
Wall, South Dakota
Guest Book
What a dear person Gordon was I injoyed all the years I worked for him. I enjoyed all the worldly conversations that we shared. All the family will be in our prayers expecially Betty that had become a dear friend to me over the years.
~ Bruce Sharon Barnett
Box 114 Wall SD 57790 (8/20/2011)
I am so sorry for your loss. May "the God of all comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:3,4) comfort and soothe your heart. His promises, found in the Holy Scriptures, can offer much hope. It assures us at John 5:28,29 that our loved ones will be remembered and brought back to life in the resurrection. Please allow God's Word to strengthen you and help you to endure this most difficult time.
~ S Ford
Baltimore, MD (8/20/2011)
I am saddened by your loss. Gordon was so much a part of all ours lives that he will be greatly missed. May he have gained peace with God and is smiling down on all of us from that big legislative floor in the sky.
~ Delila Hughes
Hot Springs SD (8/20/2011)
My late husband, Ed, was a lobbyist for many years. He spoke very highly of Gordon Pederson. Ed always felt Gordon looked at all sides of an issue and was fair in his response. I'm sorry for your loss and for the loss of such a good person in this world. He is now in paradise. I hope Gordon andd Ed have a good visit. :) Take care of yourselves.
~ Vickie Netterberg
Sturgis (8/20/2011)
Daddy, you will be miss more than words can say. You were a great father and a great countryman. You were the rock that held our family together and strong. I love you very much!
~ Carol Naescher
Oacoma =, SD (8/20/2011)
Our sincere sympathies are extended to Uncle Gordon and all of the Pederson family, far and wide. Gordon Pederson was a man of the finest caliber. He loved this country and his family passionately. Both will miss him dearly. May you all take comfort in the many memories of a life so rich with experiences and contributions. Our love and blessings to Betty, Nancy, Carol, Gary, James, and all of Gordon's dear beloveds.
~ Paul and Teri Harnisch
Phoenix, Arizona (8/20/2011)
I will always remember great uncle Gordon by his talking car. He was so sweet letting little 6 year old me play in it. A good man...and he will be missed. Rest in peace. Xoxo
~ Jessie Savre
745 Nyssa Dr. Loveland, Co., 80538 (8/20/2011)
Betty & family, Sorry to hear about Gordon's passing. You are all in out thoughts and prayers. God be with you all.
~ Andrew & Linda Eisenbraun
Rapid City (8/20/2011)
Dear Betty, Nancy, Carol, Matthew, Grant, and family:
You are all so dear to me. May you find comfort knowing how much you are loved. Gordon's presence will be sorely missed, yet what he valued most lives on through you. May Jesus comfort you in your loss.
~ Nancy McQuown
Black Hawk, SD (8/20/2011)
Gordon and I were freshmen legislators together in 1977, I enjoyed his company and his wisdom. His stories of the time he spent in the service were very interesting. He had some great jobs while serving overseas. Nearly all of Gordon's life was spent in one form of service to his fellow man. He had an honest soul, I'm sure his family will miss him dearly.
~ Guy A. Edwards
2431 S. Junction Ave. (8/20/2011)
Betty and Family,
The Republican Party has lost a great member. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that God keeps and comforts you and your family at this time of grief. The State of South Dakota will miss Gordon's wisdom and common sense. May God keep all of you safe and protected.
Lee Linehan
~ Lee Linehan
Oelrichs, SD (8/20/2011)
I want to thank Gordons family for sharing him in his service to our country and particularly with his service to all of as a South Dakota leader and long time State Legislator. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
~ Senator Jim Hundstad
13755 395th Ave., Bath, SD 57427 (8/20/2011)
To the Pederson Family..I fondly remember Gordon when we served in the House of Rep. together. He loved to show the photo of Marilyn Monroe and himself taken on one of his assignments. Gordon was a tough legislator who received great respect from all who worked with him. He loved representing his constituents. With deepest condolence..Mary B. Edelen
~ Mary B. Edelen
Vermillion, S.D. (8/20/2011)
Gordon was an inspiration to me in the Legislature. I really appreciated his advice. South Dakota has lost a great statesman. Heaven has gained a favorite son.
~ Mark Willadsen
Sioux Falls (8/20/2011)
Gordon will be greatly missed. He was an inspiration for many and I will always remember him.
~ Larry Lucas
Mission, SD (8/20/2011)
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gordon's family.
He will be missed throughout the state!
~ Don&Joyce Mitchinson, &Cold Springs Historic Society
Pringle SD (8/20/2011)
Gordon was a fountain of knowledge. We always enjoyed our conversations with him. He will be missed by family and friends.
~ Duane & Pat Holub
Lamoni, Iowa (8/20/2011)
We truly enjoyed the conversations we had with Gordon. It was a privilege to spend time with a man who served his country in so many ways. Our thoughts and prayers are with Betty and her family.
~ Duane & Pat Holub
Lamoni, Iowa (8/20/2011)
Betty and Family
Gordon was the institutional memory of the legislature and House Transportation Committee. He loved to debate why a bill would or would not work. He loved to come to our Tabor Czech Days in Pierre Celebration. Many heard of his photo with Ms Monroe but his real love was his wife children and grandchildren and the great state of South Dakota. Rep Frank Kloucek
~ Rep Frank Kloucek
Scotland South Dakota (8/20/2011)
We both served in the legislature with Gordon. He was well-respected as a legislator and a friend. We send our deepest sympathy, and our prayers go out to his family.
~ Rep. Elaine and Burt Elliott
Aberdeen, SD (8/20/2011)
Dear Betty and Family. Our love and prayers go out to you at this time. Sincerely Susan and Denny
~ Dennis and Susan Walsh
Miami, FL. (8/20/2011)
This State and Country has lost an institution. My thoughts and prayers to his family. He made all freshman legislators feel at home.
~ Charlotte "Charlii" Gilson
Yankton, SD (8/20/2011)
I am saddened to learn of Gordon's passing. My heartfelt condolences to out to all his family.
~ Lee Ferguson
Colton, SD (8/20/2011)
Dear Kay and Bill, Nancy and Grant,and family
We are so saddened to hear of Gordon's passing. Wall and South Dakota have lost a gentleman and stateman who had a heart for the Lord. We were blessed to have had the opportunity to meet Gordon and pray you will find comfort in the Lord during this time of loss. In Christ's Spirit, Pastor Sheri
~ Dale and Sheri Fadley
Reynolds, ND (8/20/2011)
Betty and family, We were so sorry to hear of Gordon's passing. He will be greatly missed. I appreciated being able to work for your family at the Dairy Queen in Wall and had learned many things from Gordon. Ed also had many conversations with Gordon. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours. Ed, Janelle and Amanda Blood, Samantha and Frank Doll
~ Ed and Janelle Blood
Pierre, SD (8/20/2011)
Betty and Family, I am sorry to hear of your loss. Gordon was a giant among men. I came to know Gordon as a young college student when I was Ted Hustead's driver in Wall. Gordon was a fountain of political knowledge and I learned much about life and honor from his stories. May God Bless Gordon. He will be dearly missed. I have stood in the shadow of greatness. We can only try to follow his humane civic examples. Gordon was a fine human being.
~ Steven Burgstahler
Saint Paul, MN / Wall, SD (8/20/2011)
Our sympathy to each of you. Gordon was very community/state minded-always in the know of what was happening. He will be missed by many.
~ Ed &Linda Eisenbraun
Rapid City, SD (8/20/2011)
Our Sympathy to your family. Gordon will be missed. We will miss him at our morning coffee break
~ Arley & Almarie Rancour
Wasta South Dakota (8/20/2011)