Pedersen, Leona G. (1928-2012)

PEDERSEN, MARTSON, BROWN

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 2/6/2012 at 15:04:15

Leona G. Pedersen
September 18, 1928 - February 02, 2012

Storm Lake, Iowa

With the support of her husband, Leona Pedersen, age 83, of Storm Lake, Iowa, fought a courageous nine year battle against cancer that ended on February 2, 2012, at the Methodist Manor Retirement Community in Storm Lake.

Leona Grace Martson was born on September 18, 1928, in Shelby County near Tennant, Iowa, in a small farm house that was formerly a one-room school. Her father, Harrison Benjamin Martson, was a farmer and her mother, Grace Louisa (Brown) Martson, a homemaker. A true farm girl, Leona grew up doing outside chores as well as other farm work including working a lot with horses. She even rode Roman-style in her younger years.

She graduated from Tennant High School, having been a proud member of the girls’ basketball team.

On November 30, 1948, Leona married Glen Edward "Pete" Pedersen, whom she met while he was working in the grocery store in Shelby, Iowa. After moving to Atlantic, Pete was drafted into the Korean War. Leona stayed for a time with him in California and then returned to Iowa, staying with family. After Pete's service in the Army, they moved to Harlan, Iowa, and then on to Cherokee, Iowa, as job opportunities for Pete came along. On May 17, 1957, they were blessed with a son, Steven Glen. In 1958, the family moved to Storm Lake where a new Swanson Store had been built. Leona would live out the rest of her life in Storm Lake.

Leona loved spending time with her husband of sixty-three years, riding her horse with her granddaughter, and helping her grandson with his homework. Pete and Leona enjoyed going to Polka dances around the area with friends. Additionally, Leona loved being outdoors with her horses, plants, and flowers. She loved animals, especially cats, horses, and her pet ducks. She was always taking in some crippled or wounded animal. Leona was a wonderful mender, who could mend anything and will also always be remembered as a fantastic cook.

Above all else, Leona will always be remembered as the glue which held the family together. The best grandma ever, she maintained a calm presence and knew just what to do. Her family will always treasure her guidance and wisdom.

Those left to cherish Leona’s memory include her husband, Glen “Pete”; her son, Steven "Pete" Pedersen, and his wife, Julie, of Storm Lake; and two grandchildren, Stevie and Harrison; as well as extended family and many friends.

Leona was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Francis Louisa; and her brother, Warren Harrison.

Visitation: 2:00-5:00 p.m., February 05, 2012, at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake, Iowa.
Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m., February 06, 2012, at the United Methodist Church in Storm Lake, Iowa.
Interment: February 06, 2012, at the Storm Lake Cemetery in Storm Lake, Iowa.

Copyright © 2012, Fratzke and Jensen Funeral Home

Fratzke and Jensen Funeral Home
 

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