J. Harland Pederson

J. Harland Pederson, 77 a long-time Devils Lake, ND resident died on Sunday, November 26, 2006 at Mercy Hospital, Devils Lake, ND Funeral Services for Harland will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake. Rev. Harold Ovre will officiate and burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 8:00 p.m. Visitation on Thursday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Serving as Casket Bearers for Harland will be his three sons, Kim, Brian and Bruce Pederson and grandsons, Tanner and Matthew Pederson and friend, Richard Brueckner. Honorary Pallbearers will be All of Harland’s Many Dear Friends Music will be provided by Russell and Lynda Pearson. John Harland Pederson was born at Osnabrock, ND on June 12, 1929 to Helmar and Hilda (Mostad) Pederson. At the age of 7 he moved with his family to Devils Lake. He graduated from Devils Lake Central High in 1947. He attended college at Concordia in Moorhead, MN, Lake Region College, Devils Lake, UND, Grand Forks and Valley City State College. He was united in marriage to D. Marilyn Hagen on October 7, 1950 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake. He joined the National Guard and was called to active duty during the Korean Conflict on January 16, 1951. He served with the 164th Army Infantry, Regiment 47 Division with basic training at Camp Rucker, Alabama. He was honorably discharged on May 21, 1952 having attained the rank of Master Sergeant. Following his time in the service, he worked for City Service Bulk in Devils Lake for a number of years. He also had part ownership in the 2-Spot restaurant for a time. In the early 1960’s, he joined AAA as an insurance agent, advancing to district sales manager. He stayed with the company until his retirement in 1992, but then continued to work part time as a sales supervisor. Harland was a member of the American Legion, Elks and the 40&8. He was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church where he served as the president of the council in 1988 and also served on the Board of Trustees, Board of Deacons and the Men’s Club. He was a driving force behind organizing reunions for the 164th Army Infantry. Harland enjoyed, greeting people with an “Assen gar det” (How goes it?), Norwegian jokes and a lively political debate. He especially enjoyed yard work, grandkids and great grandkids. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marilyn Sons and Daughter-In-Law: Kim Pederson Brian Pederson both of Devils Lake Bruce and Judith Turmeque-Pederson of Glastonbury, Connecticut. Seven Grandchildren: Kristin (Michael) Jones; Brook (Shawn) Roy; ReAnne Pederson; Matthew Pederson; Tanner Pederson; Cassandra Pederson and Andrew Pederson. Four Great Grandchildren: Dylan Roy, Kolton Roy, Torin Roy and Keegan Pederson. Several Nieces, Nephews and Cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Oscar Hoistad; brothers, Earl and Lloyd Pederson; two infant sisters and his daughter, Teresa Lynn Pederson in July of 2003.