Funeral Service for Orren A "Pete" Pederson, 90, of Sisseton, SD will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at 2:00 PM at Grace Lutheran Church, Sisseton, SD with the Rev. William Schruba and Rev. Suzanne Benidt officiating. Organist will be Mona Greseth and soloist will be Gary Pederson. Pallbearers will be John Rasmussen, Bill Torness, Bob Hull, Rodney Veflin, Curtis Dahl, and Mark Finnesand. Military rites will be provided by the Otto-Quande-Renville American Legion Post #50 and the Fort Sisseton V.F.W. Post #3342. Interment will be in the Sisseton Cemetery, Sisseton, SD. Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at the Cahill Funeral Chapel from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM with family present from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Orren Aldon "Pete" Pederson was born on February 15, 1923 in Lien Township, Roberts County, SD to Arthur and Martha (Fladland) Pederson. Orren attended Old Effington Independent grade school and New Effington High School and attended one year at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD. Orren served his country in the Army serving from 1943 until 1946. He was awarded the Meritorious Unit Award, American Theatre Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one star, The Victory Ribbon, and the APT Ribbon. After his discharge Orren worked at Bredvik Implement in New Effington, SD and had several other jobs that led to operating a restaurant in Eden, SD. During this time he met Mary Lehman and they were married on September 2, 1952 in Webster, SD. The couple managed the Grocery store and Tavern in Grenville, SD where Mary had been employed. In 1959 Orren began working at Roberts County National Bank in the insurance department. Orren retired after 26 years of service at the bank. Orren and Mary enjoyed their cabin on Clear Lake and also owned the Ivory Tower at Clear Lake for several years. They were longtime members of Grace Lutheran Church where Pete served on the church council, taught Sunday school, and was a member of the men's club. Orren and Mary enjoyed their retirement spending winters in Yuma, AZ. Mary passed away on August 28, 2006. Orren had a passion for collecting antiques of all types, especially antique cars, and toys. He was well known among antique collectors. Orren organized and managed the Sisseton Antique Car Show for many years. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the VFW. He was also a member of the Chamber of Commerce, a Sisseton City council member, Centennial Parade chairman, and Horse and Buggy Days chairperson for seven years, and was also an AA member and promoter for thirty-nine years. Orren passed away on January 3, 2014 at the Tekakwitha Living Center in Sisseton, SD.
Orren is survived by one brother Byron and his wife Carol Pederson of Sisseton, SD, one niece Lori and husband Steve Finnesand of Sisseton, SD two nephews, Clayton and wife Mary Pederson of Bellevue, IA and Gary and wife Ann Pederson of Sioux Falls, SD.
Orren was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and one sister InaLou Fisher.