Kirk E. Pederson

Kirk E. Pederson, 56, Sarasota, died July 20, 2005. He was born Feb. 8, 1949, in Hastings, Minn., and came to Sarasota in 1978 from there. He was a math teacher at Sarasota High School where he coached tennis and was named 2005 Tennis Coach of the Year in Sarasota County. He graduated from Mankato, Minnesota State and received his master's degree from Nova University in Sarasota. He served in the Minnesota National Guard. Survivors include his wife of 23 years, Buff Betz; a daughter, Callie Betz of Sarasota; sisters Cris Stainer of Massachusetts and Barb Cutts of St. Paul, Minn.; brothers Dave of Minneapolis, Mike of New York City, Jon of Sarasota and Bob of St. Paul; and his mother, Patricia of Hastings. Visitation will be from 4 to 5 p.m. Saturday, with a service to follow, at First Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall, Sarasota. Toale Brothers Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, is in charge. Memorial donations may be made to Buff Betz, Custodian, Callie Betz Pederson, UTMA, College Fund, c/o Bank of America, 1605 Main St., Suite 100, Sarasota, FL 34236.