Lars Pedersen

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Lars Pedersen was welcomed into the world on November 20, 1929 to Lars and Leta  McKinney Pedersen on the family farm north of Hardy.  He courageously lost his battle with cancer on December 18th at the VA Hospital in Grand Island.

Lars was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church near Ruskin. He Attended Beach School District 44 and graduated from Hardy High in 1947.

In early 1951 he joined the U.S. Navy for four years and spent three cruises to Korea serving on the Aircraft Carrier USS Essex. While on board he worked on the catapults where he invented a device on the shuttle to make launches faster and safer.  He flew by Helicopter to other aircraft carriers to instruct proper use of this new device.

Lars met the love of his life Bonnie Warneking in Guide Rock at a dance in 1955 and she became his wife on January 3, 1956.  They moved to Colorado where he became a furniture and cabinet maker until 1961 when he returned to farm and retired on a farm north of Superior.  

Lars and Bonnie were invited into an amazing card party group that formed in 1956 where 8 couples became family playing pitch for over 60 years often vacationing together while raising their families.

 I was recently reminded of a Colorado trip where Uncle Lars imitated Euell Gibbons "Ever eat a pine tree? Many parts are edible" and then Dad took a bite…. Giving Jeep rides through the rough pastures in his old Army Jeep just to make the girls squeal.

We celebrate his life remembering those giant hands taking care of us kids, building doll houses, barns for the boys, kitchen cabinets, fixing fences and even winning finger pulling contests!!!!  Lars dearly enjoyed farming his entire life and was able help out to the very end of his life.

Lars worked hard and served endlessly at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hardy, the American Legion and various community events.  Nothing made him happier than spending time drinking coffee with his buddies at the Do Drop and Boar's Nest.

The Pedersen family reunion was always a high point of his life - someone had to make sure there was plenty of Beer, the Chicken drop had to be manned and don't forget the Catfish Fry thanks to his fearless relatives.

Lars was a beloved dad, uncle, and friend to all he had a chance to meet. 

He is survived by his Son- Dan and wife Nancy of Benedict, David of Hardy, Daughter - Carlie of Moon Township, PA. Grandkids, Matt of Benedict, Amber and Husband Dustin Monson of Superior, Shane of Superior, Andrew and Fiancé Stacy of Wexford PA, Great grandson's Liam and Lincoln.  His Brother-  Rex and wife Luz of Las Vegas. A very long list of Sister in law's, Nieces and Nephews and all those wonderful coffee buddies and card party friends.

He joins his heavenly father Jesus reuniting with his beloved wife Bonnie along with His siblings - Gene, Max, Vic, Lloyd, Marie, Alberta and Ruth.  All his relatives and friends who have gone before him.

Graveside services will be held Tuesday 3:00 pm December 29, 2020 at the Spring Creek Cemetery in Ruskin, NE.  Pastor Lori Kitzing will be officiating.  Visitation will be held on Monday with the family present to greet callers from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Williams Funeral Home Chapel in Superior.  Memorials in lieu of flowers may be given to the Hardy American Legion or the St. Paul Lutheran Church.  Condolences may be sent to the family at wmsfh.com.  Williams Funeral Home of Superior, NE is in charge of the arrangements.

Williams Funeral Home
814 Idaho Street
Superior, Nebraska  68978

Phone 402-879-3123
williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com

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