Loyd N. Pederson

Loyd N. Pederson, 98 of Devils Lake formerly of Churchs Ferry, ND passed away on Monday morning, September 16, 2019 at the Eventide Devils Lake Care Center.

Funeral Services for Loyd will be Friday, September 20. 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Jim Paulson officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team.  Burial will be in the Churchs Ferry Cemetery.

Visitation will be at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday, September 19^th from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a time of prayer and remembrance at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation on Friday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.

Loyd Norman Pederson was born on August 31, 1921 in DeGroat Township, rural Penn, ND the son of Paul and Marie (Anderson) Pederson. He was raised in rural Penn and attended a one room school, about a mile from his home.  He continued his education at the Agricultural School in Fargo where dance lessons were part of the curriculum.

Loyd was united in marriage to Gladyce Martinson on October 23, 1942 at Starkweather, ND. Four days later, Loyd entered the United States Army at Fort Snelling, MN and honorably served his country during World War II. He served with the 105^th Regiment of the 27^th Infantry in the Asiatic Pacific Theater and was the recipient of the Purple Heart and the Bronze Service Arrowhead. Loyd’s division was involved in several battles with an enormous number of casualties.

Loyd was honorably discharged on November 29, 1945 with the rank of First Sergeant. He returned home to his bride and they established their home at Churchs Ferry. Loyd returned to work with the Studness Farms that had begun in 1941 and his employment at Studness Farms would span 50 plus years. He worked the fields of 3000 acres, tended to the livestock and repaired the farm machinery. Due to the rising waters of Devils Lake, he and Gladyce were forced to move to Devils Lake in 1999.  Gladyce passed away on December 15, 2005. For the past 8 years he called the Odd Fellows home and he was so happy there, enjoying the company of the other residents and staff.  His last days were spent at the Good Samaritan Center in their caring hands. 

Retirement wasn’t a word in Loyd’s vocabulary. At age 88, he went to work with his grandson Brian Sowatzki mowing cemeteries.  When he was 92, Loyd bought his own Craftsman riding lawn mower and used it for several years.

Loyd enjoyed playing cards, BINGO and going to the Casino. He was an avid reader of Western novels and he and Gladyce danced many Saturday nights at the Eagles (thanks to his college dancing lessons). Loyd never overstayed his welcome, when he was ready to go, he left or told you it was time to go.

Loyd was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church until it closed and was a life-long member of the VFW, Elks Lodge, Eagles Lodge, American Legion, Masons and Eastern Star.

Loyd was a quiet, humble man. He was a devoted husband, dad and grandpa and a beloved uncle to so many. He served his God and country with faithfulness and dedication.

Loyd is survived by his loving family. His daughter Barbara and her husband Don Sowatzki, Devils Lake; grandchildren Cheri (John-Paul) Luc, Merrifield, MN and Brian (Deb Weber) Sowatzki of Devils Lake; Deb’s children Griffin and Brady Weber; sisters Rita (Lowell) Larson, Minot, ND and Edith Codding of Jamestown, ND; sisters-in-law Bernice Martinson, Grand Forks and Gina Pederson, Las Vegas, NV; many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Gladyce, brothers Melvin, Maurice and Erling Pederson, sisters Anna Emerson, Ethel Thorp, Ruth Pederson and Agnes Hoistad.

Casket Bearers for Loyd will be Perry Larson, Curtis Thorp, Paul Thorp, Dennis Tollefson, Ken Tollefson, Joe Gierszewski, Doug Hillstrom, Keaton Nelsen, Kaeden Nelsen and Todd Nilsen. Special tributes by Kearyn Nelsen and Kyle Nelsen and reading Scripture will be Perry Larson.