Earl Arthur Pederson

Earl Arthur Pederson, 91, of Moorhead, MN,  died Thursday, March 15, 2018, at Essentia Health in Fargo.

Earl was born February 9, 1927, in Twin Valley, MN, the youngest of 8 children of Arthur and Minnie (Wolden) Pederson.  He attended school in Ogema, MN and later enlisted in the U.S. Army.  He was honorably discharged after two years of service.  After his discharge, Earl helped his father on the family farm, until the family moved in 1948 to Frazee, MN. They became neighbors to the family of Norma Tinjum, and it was “love at first sight” between Earl and Norma.  They were united in marriage in Moorhead, MN on June 17, 1950.  Earl continued helping his father on the farm for some time, but later worked in the plant and drove a delivery route for Cass Clay Creamery in Moorhead.  Around 1973 Earl began working as a janitor at St. Luke’s Hospital in Fargo, and he retired from that position at the age of 62.

Earl was very artistic, and he loved building things out of wood.  He was an excellent gardener, and in the 13 years that Earl and Norma lived in Hawley, MN, he was known around town as “the flower man” due to all the beautiful flowers that surrounded their home.   While living at Arbor Park, he lovingly planted most of the flowers and took care of the weeding and watering, even while in his wheelchair. He loved nature, taking love drives throughout the countryside, and feeding the birds and squirrels.  Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Norma, of Moorhead; his daughter, Carol (Gerry) Gangnes, of West Fargo, ND; his son, James Pederson, of West Fargo; his sister, Alice Puttbrese, of Detroit Lakes, MN, and his grandchildren, Melissa Pederson, Andrew Pederson, Alex (Brittany) Pederson and Shaun Pederson.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Bill, Irvin, and Norman; his sisters, Millie, Ardis and Eleanor, and his son, Mike.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead.  Visitation will be from noon to 1:00 P.M. Interment will be at Dale Immanuel Cemetery, rural Hawley, MN.