Orlyn Pederson

Orlyn J. Pederson, 81, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Saturday, January 24, 2009 at Lake Region Hospital.  Orlyn was born on March 21, 1927 in Albert Lea, the son of Henry and Stella (Johnson) Pederson. Orlyn’s father died when he was five years old. He and his mother moved to Fergus Falls when he was in the seventh grade. Orlyn graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1945. After his mother’s death, he entered the United States Navy and served during World War II as a machinist mate third class from 1945 to 1946, stationed on the U.S.S Block Island.  On August 27, 1948, he married Marcia Eide at Hedemarken Lutheran Church in rural Carlisle. After his return from the Navy he worked as an apprentice for Albert Bjerke.  In 1954, Orlyn and Marcia purchased the Bjerke – Edlund Cabinet Shop and it became Orlyn Pederson Company. He began doing residential work and commercially developed the business, specializing in Architectural Millwork. He retired in 1987 after selling the business.  He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, V.F.W., Elks and U.S.S. Block Island Association. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping. He loved being with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will also be remembered for his great sense of humor. Preceding him in death were his parents and one grandson, Alex David Christianson. Survivors include his wife, Marcia of Fergus Falls; four daughters; Claire (Richard) Geyen of Bloomington, Betsey (Mark) Petersen of Fergus Falls, Amy (Charlie) Kampa of Fergus Falls, Kris (Dave) Christianson of Fergus Falls; grandchildren, Joshua Paetow and his special friend, Carolyn Hanson, Desiree (Dave) Pasko, Dan (Liz) Geyen, Blake (Mandy) Geyen, Erin (Rick) Swenson, Samantha Kampa, Sister Rita Marie Kampa, Lydia and Sadie Christianson; four great-grandchildren, Issac Pasko, David Pasko, Gunner Geyen, Barrett Geyen; sister-in-law, Jean Prochnow and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation:         5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday with a 6:30 p.m. public prayer service at the funeral home. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Service:            11 a.m. Wednesday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls Clergy:             Reverend Paul Nelson Burial:               Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, Fergus Falls.