Richard "Dick" G. Pederson

Richard George Pederson, 98, of Eleva, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2025, surrounded by love at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Born on March 11, 1926, to Peter and Laura (Insteness) Pederson on the family farm in Pleasant Valley, Eau Claire County, Richard lived and farmed there for most of his life.

Richard attended Sands School in Pleasant Valley, Eau Claire Senior High School, and Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in Fergus Falls, MN. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Army from July 1951 to July 1953 during the Korean War, stationed in Japan for sixteen months. He earned his GED while in the U.S. Army, stashed it away, and received his diploma from Eleva-Strum Central High School at age 80.

On July 13, 1957, he married Darlene Shermo, and together they enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as abroad to Australia, New Zealand, and Norway.

A respected and active member of the community, Richard was involved with the Eleva Lutheran Church, American Legion Post 459, Pleasant Valley Town Board, Town of Pleasant Valley Firefighters, National Farmers Organization (NFO), Eleva Area Historical Society, Town of Pleasant Valley Historical Committee, and the Mondovi Conservation Club. Legacy stones of both his own name and others he donated can be found at The Highground Veterans Memorial Park in Neillsville, WI, and Veterans Park in Altoona, WI.

Richard lived a life incredibly full of family, friendship and adventure.  He enjoyed farming, teaching relatives how to stack wood correctly, hunting, reading the paper, traveling, solving puzzles of every kind (especially sudoku), journaling, reminiscing, listening to music and spending time in the great outdoors on his skid steer.  He was still driving his ATV at 98 years old!  Richard will be remembered for his witty sense of humor, kind heart, talents as a historian, and his attention to the smallest details. You didn’t want to get him started on telling Ole and Lena jokes!

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Darlene, and their children: Susan (Al) Van Lith of Brookfield, WI; Nanette (Rhett) Bartz of Franklin, WI; Lori (Jim) Longhurst of Chippewa Falls, WI; and Brian (Susan) Pederson of Eleva, WI. He was a proud grandfather to Mandy (Bradley) Kensmoe of Strum, WI; Amy (Jason) Reggin of Mondovi, WI; Gunnar (Jessica) Bartz of Oak Creek, WI; Skylar Bartz of Stevens Point, WI; Caitlin (Zachariah Tritz) Van Lith of Rochester, MN; Ella (William) Chandler of Eau Claire, WI; Logan Pederson of Eau Claire, WI; and Alia Van Lith of Rochester, MN. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Quinn and Gracey Kensmoe, Jaelyn and Kade Reggin, Aubrey and Liam Bartz and much anticipated 7th great-grandchild expected in early July. He is further survived by his sister-in-law Rhonda Stokes of The Villages, Florida, and many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Laura; his son, Keith; grandson, Tyler Pederson; and siblings Obert Pederson, Borghild White, Lawrence Pederson, Anna Puro, Frances White, and Walter Pederson.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Eleva Lutheran Church, followed by a Celebration of Life with Pastor Karen Ressel officiating. Richard will be laid to rest at Eleva Cemetery with full military honors.

Family would like to thank the staff at Hillview Senior Living in Mondovi, WI, and Mayo Clinic Health System staff in Eau Claire, WI, for their compassionate assistance.

In lieu of flowers - especially since the bull thistle was never his favorite - the family suggests memorials to the American Legion Post 459, Eleva Lutheran Church, Town of Pleasant Valley Generator Project, or the charity of your choice. These organizations reflect Richard's lifelong values and commitment to community and service, allowing his memory to continue to inspire others.

The Hulke Family Funeral Home, located at 3209 Rudolph Rd., Eau Claire, WI, 54701, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at: http://www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

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