In the early morning hours of March 4th, a gracious and beautiful soul, our mother, Blanche Pedersen, put on her dancing shoes to join her husband in heaven.
Our mother prepared her own obituary in her own words and this is how it reads:
I was born at Esmond, North Dakota on September 30, 1922 to Sam and Julia (Wojciechowski) Walczak. We lived in Esmond and Linton for a few years, but most of my growing up years were lived in Jamestown, North Dakota.
In 1940, I graduated from high school. Though I would rather have gone to college, I went to work for the Jamestown Daily Reminder. I collected ads, did set-up work and took my turn mimeographing the paper at night. For our big issue on Friday, we sometimes worked from nine Thursday morning until three a.m. Friday morning. The hours must have been the reason for my biggest mistake. The heading of the grocery ad should have been – “Look in Your Pantry and Check This List.” Instead, it read – “Look in Your Panty and Check This List.” We had a lot of calls and fun with that one!
My next job was with Nash Finch Company (Wholesale Fruits and Groceries). They were particularly noted for Nash’s Coffee, Y.B. and White Owl Cigars and had 57 branches in 12 states. I first worked in Jamestown and during the war years I transferred to the main office in Minneapolis. I became what would now be known as an Executive Secretary.
When the war was over, I decided to return to Jamestown. I then went to work for the Smith Flying Service. Many of the fellows returning home were taking flying lessons for either their private or commercial licenses. The airport was a very active and fun place to be.
It was there that I met Gordon who was taking commercial pilot training. We were married on November 24, 1947, at eight o’clock in the morning by an old Irish priest (who only did weddings at that time). It was also during a good old fashioned North Dakota blizzard.
Three of our children Julie, Jane and Jeff were born in Jamestown. When Julie was six we moved to Helena as Gordon was with the Railway Mail Service. Our first house was at 1427 Boulder. The only heat in the house was a gas stove in the living room which had three walls that were red and one wall that was gray and the stove in the kitchen. It happened to be one of Montana’s coldest winters. On Saturdays, we would load up on popcorn and pop and take the bus to the Marlow Theatre and spend the afternoon. Three movies plus cartoons and it was warm and cozy. That spring, we moved to our present home at 817 Eighth Avenue. It was a great time for the kids. All the moms stayed home and they could run and play freely without fear all around the neighborhood. It was while living there that Jody was born. Not the brother that Jeff so wanted, but what a blessing she has been.
When Jeff started school I went to work for Dr.’s Maronick and Whitesitt.
With a love of the old and antiques, I spent a whole lifetime going to garage sales and auctions. I collected many things along with making many special relationships with people who had the same interests. My only regret is now my family has to decide – “What are we going to do with it all.”
After Gordon died, I found a slip of paper in my old autograph book. It read, “I love you my wife. I think you are the grandest person in the whole world.”
I guess if I made that much difference in the life of one person in my lifetime it was worth living.
I wrote this because I’ve always been the type of person who likes the last word!
“So, until we meet again, God Bless.”
Blanche is preceded in death by her husband of 44 years Gordon Pedersen, her son Jeffrey Pedersen and granddaughter Michelle Pedersen. Brother Leonard and sisters Josephine, Leona, Polly and Elaine.
She is survived by her wonderful children and grandchildren; daughter, Julie (David) Smith – Nolan and Kailie (Andew) Nolan; daughter, Jane Hayden – Rachael (Billy) Brewer; daughter-in-law, Diane Pedersen – Kristy (Josh) Klein and daughter Jody (Kelly) Reisbeck. She is also survived by her five great grandchildren: Tyler Nolan, Aby, Indy and Tristan Brewer and Makayla Klein.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 10th at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing Street. Rite of Committal will follow the Mass at Resurrection Cemetery with a reception to follow in the social hall at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Blanche’s name be made to an organization of your choice.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 9, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday March 10, 2016
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Mass
Thursday March 10, 2016
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Thursday March 10, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday March 9, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday March 10, 2016
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Mass
Thursday March 10, 2016
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Thursday March 10, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Diane says
Grandma Blanche:
Thank you for loving and taking such good of all of us for so many years. We will miss you. We know that you are now in God’s loving arms and will still watch over us until we can be together again. Love Diane, Kristy, Josh and Makayla
susan bass proul says
Jody..I’m so sorry to hear of your moms passing. I have you and you family in my thoughts and prayers. May your memories stay close in your heart and bring you peace.
susan bass proul says
Jody..I’m so sorry to hear of your moms passing. I have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. May your memories stay close in your heart and bring you peace.
Bob Morgan says
Julie, Jane and Jody-So sorry to hear of your mothers passing. I certainly enjoyed seeing her the many times she visited our shop, especially enjoyed the afternoon at her house seeing the “collections”. She was definitely one of kind. Sorry I won’t be able to attend the services, we are in Arizona for the winter. May she rest in peace. Blessings to all of you. Bob
Dave and Nancy Duel says
Dear Jody, Julie, Jane and
God Bless all of you and your families!
Dear little Blanche will be sorely missed! She was a marvelous mother, grandmother, and friend! She had the smile of an angel! Every time I saw her precious face it made me smile! I loved hearing her laughing and talk about you young ladies! I loved the way she’d have a good time with everyone when there was a get together! She was always so sweet! You all were so blessed to be able to call her your Mom, Grandma! We were blessed to be able to call her a friend! Love and prayers to all! Nancy and Dave
Jeanene Tjaden says
Sweet Jody & family, thinking of you with our deepest love for you and your family. Always here love.
Prayers & comfort today and always,
Chad, Jeanene, Jayde & Sydnee Tjaden
Susan Henkel says
Jane,
Keeping up with Helena news I saw this beautiful obituary for your mother. I’ve lost track of so many over the years but remember your mom and good times “back in the day” – you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thinking of you,
Susan (Syskowski) Henkel
McCall says
To Blanche’s Family,
I am so glad Blanche made it home for her final days. I hope she found comfort and peace there. Her obituary was a delight to read. It was a honor to care for her and for you all. I hope the next few days are filled with love as your friends and family come together to celebrate her life.
My sincere condolences,
McCall Elverum, RN
Margaret Belisle says
Dear Julie, Jane and Jody,
What an honor it was to be a protégé to Blanche. She was a mentor and a friend. I am so glad I got to share in her life and her passing. She was beautiful inside and out. Her grace is reflected in her children and will continue to touch lives.
To live in hearts we leave behind Is not to die.
Thomas Campbell, “Hallowed Ground”
Margaret Belisle
Barb says
For Jane and her Family,
Such a wonderfully written description of a very full life. Sending tender mercies to you as you transition to life on earth without the physical presence of your Mama. Jane, I can hear the wit and wisdom of your Mother in some of the words you have shared with me over the years. What a blessing.
Love,
Barb Barnes
Irene Reynolds says
Julie and Jane
I remember your sweet mother and being at your home at times. What a blessing to have had your mother for so long. My thoughts are with you.
Peace and love,
Irene
Karla Bachmeier says
Jane,
So sorry your mother has passed and sorry I missed the funeral as I saw the obituary in the paper too late. It was a very nice obituary and I will always remember the times in church with Blanche and trips home afterwards. She was a very special lady! Take care and my prayers are with you and your family.
Ty Plummer Nelson says
Julie ,
So sorry to hear about your mother. Such a sad loss for your family but you were lucky to have her so long. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Julie and Tom Miller says
Jane,
Tom and I are so worry to hear of your mother’s passing. I remember well visiting your home after school, and what a happy, outgoing, positive woman she was. Our thoughts and prayers for you are your family.
Julie and Tom Miller says
Jane,
Tom and I are so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I remember well visiting your home after school, and what a happy, outgoing, positive woman she was. Our thoughts and prayers for you are your family.