Hjalmer Pederson

Hjalmer Carl Pederson, a resident of rural Underwood, died Friday, September 11, 2009, after living a fulfilling 94 years. He was born September 5, 1915, on the Pederson homestead in Underwood, the son of Peter K. and Pauline (Osander) Pederson.  He grew up on the family farm, and attended school in Underwood.  He spoke only Norwegian on his first day of school and retained his lovely accent. In his young adult life he worked for local farmers and on the home farm, shocking grain, putting up hay and other farm duties with his father and brothers.  At the age of 25 he travelled to Juneau, Alaska, where he was a commercial halibut fisherman for one year.  At the time of World War II, he was told to return to the family farm and produce food for the soldiers.  On March 28, 1945, he married Cornelia Mark at the Church parsonage in Underwood.  He and Corie purchased the Pederson farm which his grandfather had homesteaded in 1870.  He was a dedicated and passionate farmer for the rest of his life.   A truer man of the land you would never find. Hjalmer loved animals and would come to know each animal personally.   He enjoyed driving around the country looking at the crops.  Hjalmer appreciated the simple things in life and was always a genuine gentleman.  He liked to watch The Minnesota Twins, The Wheel of Fortune and Lawrence Welk on TV.  He took great pleasure and always looked forward to mowing the lawn, feeding the birds, and cruising around the farm on his gator.  He loved spending time and visiting with his children and grandchildren.  Hjalmer was an avid reader and a self taught man.  He kept up with political and current events throughout his life.  He was happy to live out his life on the farm he loved so much. Preceding him in death were his parents, and siblings Knute, Edward, Geline and Petra Pederson. Survivors include his wife, Cornelia “Corie” Pederson of Underwood; three children:  Mark (Katie) Pederson of Underwood, Marilou Pederson of Edina, MN, and James (Susan) Pederson of Fargo, ND; seven grandchildren:  Trevor (Calli) Pederson, Kelly (Denny) Bosek, Trent (fiancé Tami Wilts) Pederson, Kori Pederson Jones, Kelsey Pederson, Elizabeth Pederson, and Zachary Pederson; six great-grandchildren:  Riley and Spencer Pederson, Wyatt, Hunter and Kaden Bosek, Isaiah Jones; and a sister, Lila Pederson. Hjamer was a faithful and longtime supporter of the Sverdrup Lutheran Church.    The family is very thankful for the loving and decicated care provided by Terri, JoAnne, and Marija with TLC Home Care. Visitation:           5-7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service, and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church. Service:              2 p.m. Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at Sverdrup Lutheran Church, in Underwood Clergy:               Pastor Scott Mikkelson Interment:           Sverdrup Lutheran Cemetery, Underwood, Minnesota Funeral Home:   Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls