Willard J. Pederson

**UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION**  A celebration of life will be held from1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct.16, 2021, at the home of Jeff & Deb Pederson, 5544 Hwy 35, Bay City, WI  54723.

Willard Jerome Pederson, 86, of Red Wing, died Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at his home with his family by his side. He was born October 23, 1934 to Clifton and Christine (Munson) Pederson in Springfield, Minnesota. He grew up in Sandborn and graduated from Sandborn High School. He began working with the railroad in Mason City, Iowa. He then joined the U.S. Army and following his honorable discharge, began working for Kaiser Construction. It was while working a job in Goodhue that he met Christine Mans. The couple married on October 14, 1961. They moved to Red Wing and he began working at Meyer Industry.

Willard and Chris enjoyed traveling together. He spent his free time on leather work, chip carving, and reading westerns and mystery novels. A Minnesota sports fan, he enjoyed cheering on the Twins, the Vikings and the Timberwolves. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was always telling jokes. Most of all, he loved time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Chris of Red Wing; son, Jeff (Debbie) Pederson of Bay City; daughter, Terri (Sue Sivertsen) Pederson  of Lakeland; 5 grandchildren, Jessie (Rich) Hoeschen, Emily (Josh) Arneson, William Pederson, Andrew Pederson and Kiaya Johnson; 4 great-grandchildren, Hunter, Maverick, Wyatt, and Brandon; sisters, Donna, Gladys, and Marlys; brother, Steve; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Rolland; sister, Virginia; and his parents.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date when it is safe to gather. Burial will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com