Nicholas Lawrence Pederson

Nicholas Lawrence Pederson, age 81, of Russellville, passed away on Sunday, June 8, 2014, at his home. He was born November 25, 1932, in Truman, Minnesota, to Nicholas and Cornelia Doolittle Pederson. He graduated from Brigham Young University with is Doctor of Education in 1979. Nick retired from teaching in the Kinesiology and Physical Education Department at the University of Central Arkansas in 1997. Nick was a professor but a farmer at heart. From South Dakota to Arkansas, he loved the land and working it. He enjoyed horseback riding, traveling, bird watching, and time spent visiting with family and friends. No one was a stranger; Nick engaged in conversation with everyone he met. He loved teaching and watching young minds develop knowledge in classes that he taught. He had high expectations for his students and demanded their best efforts at all times. He was a loving husband and he loved his sons. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Rockie Reddin Pederson; five sons and four daughters-in-law, Tom Pederson of Beirut, Lebanon, Nick and Susan Pederson and Kevin and Debbie Pederson, all of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Scott and Pranee Pederson of Anchorage, Alaska, and Joel and Carol Pederson of Logan Utah; 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The graveside service and burial will be at 2 p.m., on Wednesday, June 11, 2014, at the Campground Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery at Hampton, Arkansas, officiated by the Rev. Garland Skidmore, and under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening, from 5-6:30, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice, 2405 East Parkway, Suite 3, Russellville, Arkansas 72802, or to a charity of the donor's choice.