Arden Paul Pederson, 90, a longtime member of the Whalan community, passed away Tuesday, December 13, 2016 in Preston.
Arden was born January 13, 1926 in Arendahl Township, Minn., to Peter and Cordella (Bradley) Pederson. At the age of five, he moved to his present farm with his parents. He attending the Lodahl School, in rural Lanesboro, until the eighth grade. From 1953-1955 he served in the United States Army in Hawaii.
He returned to his home outside Whalan to work on the family farm with his parents.
He was a lifetime member of the Whalan Lutheran Church and served as treasurer, Sunday school teacher, and Sunday school superintendent for many years. He was also a proud member of the Whalan American Legion Post 637. He enjoyed being part of the Whalan community and was the Grand Marshal of the Whalan Stand Still Parade in 2012.
Arden enjoyed going to noon lunch with the guys at the Peterson Cafe. He liked reading and looking at farm equipment.
Arden is lovingly remembered by many second cousins and wonderful neighbors and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, uncles, aunts, and cousins.
A funeral service will be held for Arden at 11 a.m., Saturday, December 17, 2016 at the Whalan Lutheran Church, with Rev. Patricia Hinkie officiating. A committal service with Military Honors accorded by the Lanesboro American Legion Post 40 and Whalan American Legion Post 637 will follow at the Whalan Cemetery.
Memorials are preferred to Whalan Lutheran Church or the Whalan Cemetery.
Visitation will take place at the church on Saturday one hour prior to the service.
Johnson-Riley Funeral Home in Lanesboro is assisting the family with arrangements. To share condolences with the family, please visit rileyfuneralhomes.com.