Orville Severin Pedersen, age 90, of Stonington passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2020 at Lakeview Assisted Living Memory Care in Gladstone.
Orville was born July 10, 1929 in Escanaba MI, the son of Peder and Gida Pedersen. He served his county proudly in the United States Army and is a Korean War Veteran. Following his military service, Orville worked as a mink farmer with his father in-law, Mayer Jacobsen, for several years. Orville then started raising beef cattle while working at the K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base for 26 years until he retired in 1991. Orville was a member of the Trinity Luthern Church in Stonington where he was involved with the church council as a member and President. He co-founded the Stonington Booster Club with his friend, Raymond Sundstrom and served as President for many years. He was a 60 year member of the Rapid River American Legion Post 301 and participated in numerous military honors, memorial services and parades. Orville was also a longtime sexton and caretaker of the Lakewood Cemetery in Stonington. He served on the Rapid River School Board in the 1970’s. He pitched for several years in the Rapid River Men’s Fast Pitch Softball League and was known to break a few fingers while doing so! Along with being a loyal Packer and Tiger fan he also enjoyed being a member of the Gladstone golf league, Escanaba bowling league and played horseshoes weekly on the Stonington league. He loved to fish and go for rides on his four wheeler and snowmobiles. Orville’s last snowmobile ride was in 2018 with the Rapid River Relic Riders and he was recognized as Honorary Oldest Relic! Orville’s dancing shoes were always readily available as he loved to dance, the Tennessee Waltz being his favorite. He loved all types of music and would never miss the chance to be on a dance floor.
Orville is survived by his children, David (Annette) Pedersen of Skandia, Todd (Jennifer) Pedersen of Cookville, TN, Eric Pedersen of Stonington and Jean (John) Sundstrom of Gladstone; grandchildren, J.T. (Leslie Anne) Pedersen, Niki Klauza, Ashley (Ty) Dentisen, Joe Klauza, Paige (Cameron) Collier and Mitchell Sundstrom; great grandchildren, Roger, Tucker and Hunter; brother, Merrill (J.J.) Pedersen of Emporia, Kansas and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his spouses, Jackie Burnt, Mary Robinson and Marie Jacobsen, Bryers, his parents and siblings, Emily Wells, Helen Cummings, Margaret Graese and Ken Pedersen.
Military Honors will be presented by the Rapid River American Legion Post 301 on Saturday, July 11 at 3:00 PM at the Lakewood Cemetery in Stonington.
The Pedersen family is being assisted by the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone.
Lance and Linda Collins - Escanaba, MI
My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting Orville while visiting my brother at Lakeview. Spoke with him many times about his home and love of snowmobiling. Orville always had a pleasant smile and warm greeting.
William Rafuse - Rapid River, MI
All ways enjoyed his smile and sweet spirit. He was such an active American Legion member when he was able, that he inspired me to be the best Legionnaire I could be.
Shirley Gollach - Escanaba, Mi
My husband, Ray, was a resident at Lakeview for a few months. Ray enjoyed visiting with Orville and spending time with him watching football or laughing at some silly TV shows. He was a sweet man who always had a ready smile whenever I saw him. I hope that his passing was peaceful and that your families are able to enjoy many happy memories of his life.
Walt - Rock, Mi
My thoughts and prayers for Orv and his family during this celebration remembering his time here with us. I have known Orv for quite some time and always enjoyed his company, especially on the golf course. He was a joy to be around wherever you met him and always a smile on his face. We really had a lot fun golfing the tournament on the base for a lot of years He will be missed by many!
RIP my friend and put us down for a tee time so we can play again!
God bless and keep you!
bob jasmund - escanaba, mi
Dave; Ruth and I send our prayer’s during this difficult time and you have our heartfelt condolence’s.
Bob Jasmund
Miles - Escanaba, MI
Every time I ever saw or talked with Orville he always had a smile and a positive attitude. He always saw the positive in everything and was a people person. You can all be very thankful for such a great positive life.
Karla Constantino - Golden Valley, MN
My thoughts and prayers to your family during this time.