Ove O. Pederson

Pederson, Ove O. Ove died peacefully with his family present on June 10th , 2006. He was born October 11th, 1923 in Oslo, Norway to Reverend James O. and Anna E. Pederson. The family arrived in the United States in 1933 and resided in Grand Marais, MN later moving to Dows, Iowa, where Ove graduated from High School in 1941. After working at Sturgeon Bay Shipyards and playing semi-pro basketball, he enlisted in the army in Feb., 1943. Ove served with fellow Norwegians in the 99th Infantry Battalion, Separate, (The Viking Battalion). As trained ski troopers, with the mission to liberate Norway, Ove served honorably as a medic while landing on Normandy Beach during the D-day invasion. His unit marched across Europe and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. After VE day the battalion was ordered to Norway to complete their mission of liberating the country and reinstating King Haakon. After discharge Ove Entered St. Olaf College graduating in 1951 with a degree in business. He took a job with J.C. Penney in International Falls, MN where he met Donna Fancher. They were married on June 17th, 1952. The family has lived in W. St. Paul since 1960, where Ove worked for Twin City Wire/ MFI for 42 years. Ove was preceded in death by his infant brother Paul, his sister Helen, and his parents. Ove is survived by his wife Donna and his children Nancy (Bob) Menth, Karen (Earl) Bakken, Tom (Barb); brothers Gunnar (Jean), Jim (Ann), Paul (Kay); grandchildren Jason (Malia), Chris, Jackie, Jenny, Jason, Jill, Nathan, Erik, Matt, Emily, Rachel, great-grandchild Aubrey, nephews, nieces and many more loving family and friends. Funeral service Thursday 10:30AM, June 15th at SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH, 11 W. Bernard St. WSP. Visitation Wednesday June 14th from 5-8PM at West Funeral Home, 1051 S. Robert St. WSP. Interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to the American Diabetes Association or Salem Lutheran Church of WSP.