Jerry Irvin Pederson

Jerry Irvin Pederson, age 86, of Prescott and formerly of Kenosha, died unexpectedly on October 31, 2025, at Regina Hospital in Hastings. Jerry was born on October 3, 1939, in Black River Falls, the son of Irvin and Lyla (Nelson) Pederson. He was raised in Northfield, where he attended grade school before graduating from Hixton High School. Following this, he furthered his education at Gateway Technical College.

During high school, he met Betty Jean Hanson. On September 20, 1958; they exchanged vows before family and friends at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Hixton. They made Kenosha their home, until his retirement in 1997, when they moved to Prescott to be closer to family.

Jerry began working on the assembly line for American Motors—unaware that this would become his lifelong career. He worked in shipping and receiving as a clerk on one of their docks. His favorite vehicle from their fleet was the Jeep, which he loved to drive. Jerry was a dedicated employee and proud member of the United Auto Workers Local 72. He and other long-time employees were affectionately called Dinosaurs of Jurassic Park. Following his tenure there, he worked part-time in security for State Farm Insurance in Woodbury for his son-in-law Scott Gunderson.

He was proud of his Norwegian heritage. He loved Norwegian treats such as lefse and enjoyed lutefisk! He was an enthusiastic Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers fan and enjoyed bowling in his younger years. His favorite pastime, however, was golf. Jerry loved an afternoon at Chabre’ or Pine Meadows Golf Course in St. Croix County. He enjoyed restoring old clubs and going to Pro Golf Opens.

After retirement—and to the surprise of many—he took up woodworking. He loved crafting birdhouses for family and friends, which soon evolved into elaborate creations modeled after schools and churches. His pieces became so popular that he began selling them on Etsy and eBay. He enjoyed visiting garage sales and Goodwill stores in search of trinkets and unique materials for his projects.

Jerry took great pride in his long career with American and Chrysler Motors, as reflected in his lifelong love of cars and his ever-growing collection of car photos.

He will be remembered as a devoted husband of sixty-seven memorable years to Betty; a loving and supportive father to Dale Pederson; a welcoming father-in-law to Scott Gunderson; a treasured grandpa to Courtney (partner Jordan) and Ashe; a respected brother to Roseanne (Mark) Hoff; and endeared brother-in-law to Violet Pederson, Harriet Johnson, Eric (Judy) Hanson Sr, as well as a fun-loving uncle to many.

He was welcomed into heaven with a loving embrace by his daughter Lori Gunderson “Lor”, who passed away just this past July. They are now together. He is furthered preceded in death by his parents Irvin and Lyla (Nelson) Pederson; Parents-in-law Harold and Lilah; brother Monte; brothers/sisters-in-law Marshall ‘Mark’ and Della Hanson, Alice, Myron Halverson, Victor Johnson, Karen Hanson (mother of Eric Jr.); and his nephews Gregory Halverson and Eric Hanson Jr.

A Private Celebration of Life for Jerry Pederson was held at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Prescott. Burial will take place at the Bethel Lutheran Columbarium in Hudson. Memorials are preferred to the discretion of the family. Cremation and memorial services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Prescott.