Elaine K. Pederson (nee Rebers)

Elaine Karen Pederson (nee Rebers), passed away on February 12, 2025, peacefully in her sleep in her Cottage Grove home.

Elaine was born on August 21, 1941, to Victor and Elda Rebers, in Rural Vesta, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church in Echo, Minnesota where she also grew up and graduated high school. Elaine then attended Glenwood Hills School of Nursing. After, she worked briefly as a licensed practical nurse before dedicating herself to raising her children as a proud stay-at-home mother.

On June 16, 1962, Elaine married Gordon Pederson at Peace Lutheran Church. Together they shared nearly 60 years of love, dedication and the joy of watching their family grow.

Elaine had a kindhearted personality that made her a friend to all. She loved connecting with people- whether it was at gatherings with friends and family or through conversations on the phone. Elaine enjoyed working in the sunshine in her garden, capturing memories through taking pictures, going to garage sales, and listening to polka music and dancing whenever she got the chance. Above all else, she cherished time spent with her family. She especially loved her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother. 

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon; son, Paul; and sister, Fern. Elaine is survived by her daughters, Catherine and Karen (Don) Evazich; daughter-in-law, MyHoa; siblings, Rolland, Dennis, Diane, Bob, and Brian; grandchildren, Michael, Casey, Jason, Cory, Amber, Hunter, and Harley; and great-grandchildren Natalie, Harlow, and Hudson. 

Elaine’s warmth and unwavering dedication to those she loved will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those who mourn her passing.

Celebration of Life 11 AM with visitation beginning at 10 AM, Friday, February 21, 2025 at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th St. S., Cottage Grove, MN 55016. Burial to follow at Cottage Grove Cemetery, Cottage Grove, MN. 

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION: For those who would like to participate in Elaine's service via livestream, you can watch the service on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 11 AM (CST). It can be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of this page and click PLAY to begin. Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service. If you are having troubles with the Livestream, the service will be available to watch later in the day.