Jeffrey Gordon Pedersen, age 60, passed away suddenly on February 09, 2014 from an extended illness.
Jeff was born in Jamestown, North Dakota on April 15, 1953 to Blanche and Gordon Pedersen. He attended Bishop Gilmore Elementary School, graduating from Helena High School in June of 1971. He attended the University of Montana after graduation. Jeff always believed that The Griz were the best team. Some members of his family thought otherwise.
After high school Jeff worked for many employers in the construction industry, which was his job of choice. Realizing that the construction industry and raising a family rarely went hand in hand he began his career at the United States Post Office where he worked as a Letter Carrier for 33 years. Jeff retired in May of 2008.
Jeff met Diane, the love of his life, when she was a freshman in high school when a friend arranged a blind date. On that first date Jeff told Diane, “I am going to marry you some day” and he did on August 11, 1973. For 41 years Jeff and Diane have walked together facing the trials and tribulations of life.
Jeff and Diane were blessed with the birth of their first daughter, Michelle on December 23, 1977. Sadly God called Michelle home at age 22. On January 6, 1980 Jeff and Diane’s second daughter Kristy was born. Jeff was so proud of the beautiful woman, wife and mother she has become.
Jeff’s hobbies included playing golf, bowling, snow skiing and spending countless hours of joy with his family and friends. Jeff played the guitar and would sing to his daughters for hours until his fingers were so sore he needed to stop.
His father Gordon, his daughter Michelle, his grandparent’s Fred and Marie Pedersen, Sam and Julia Walzak and his in-laws Richard and Helen Richter, precedes Jeff in death.
He is survived by his wife Diane, daughter Kristy Klein (Josh) of Helena, his mother Blanche of Helena, his sisters Julie Smith (David) of Sandpoint Idaho, Jane Hayden of Helena, Jody Reisbeck (Kelly) of Helena, Richard Richter (Nancy) of Kennewick, Washington and his granddaughter Makayla Klein, the second love of his life. Several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins also survive him.
Our husband, father, grandpa, son, brother and friend was a kind, loving, stubborn and fun person all rolled into one. He will forever be in our hearts.
There will be a family and friends service from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, February 14, 2014 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 North Montana Ave, Helena. Funeral Liturgy will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 15, 2014 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home with a reception following immediately after in the Banquet Hall at the Funeral home. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jeff.
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday February 14, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral home
3750 North Montana
Helena , Montana
Funeral Liturgy
2:00 p.m.
Saturday February 15, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana
Helena , Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday February 14, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral home
3750 North Montana
Helena , Montana
Funeral Liturgy
2:00 p.m.
Saturday February 15, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana
Helena , Montana 59601
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Kasey, Tabatha, Taylor, Tucker and Walker Reisbeck says
Pedersen Family,
We are very saddened to hear of your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. God Bless you all…..
Kasey, Tabatha, Taylor, Tucker and Walker Reisbeck
Greg, Linda, Ry and Tiffany Paull says
Peterson family, we are so sad to hear about Jeffo. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Greg, Linda and family
Marcia Ripaldi (Yuhas Family) says
From the time we take our first breath we know what a blessing life is. On behalf of the
Yuhas family, I would like to express our deepest sympathy and offer prayers to the Pederson Family for strength, peace, and through God’s love come to know that Jeffrey’s work on the earth was complete. God Bless You! Marcia
Kailie Nolan says
Thinking of you all and sending love your way until I can be there Friday. Uncle Jeff I miss and love you dearly.
Penny Bowman and Jim Moss says
It is with deepest sympathy and great sadness we send love, thoughts and prayers to all of the Pederson family.
Bev and Don OPITZ says
Dear. Diane and family, We are so saddened to read about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hugs to all of you. We care. God. Bless. Bev and Don
Blain and Lora Schaff says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless.
Steve & Joni Grovom says
Diane Kristy and family, we are deeply saddened by Jeff”s passing. We have been friends for many years playing golf together among many other things, his occasional rants or words of encouragement will be missed. Our Love and prayers go to you.
Mark Undseth says
I still have some great memories of Jeff and I as teenagers at Pedersen family reunions.
My prayers are for all of the family who will miss him. Jeff was one of my favorite cousins. May God grant all of you His grace and peace “which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. Your cousin, Mark
Jesse & Karen Munro says
Diane and Kristy…we are deeply saddened with the loss of Jeff. He was a great man and a long-time friend. While our paths had not crossed since our last class reunion, he was not forgotten in our hearts and thoughts. From the days in grade school…through high school…and in college, he was companion and friend. In the old days we played music together, drove the drag until the early morning hours and of course sprayed weeds for L&C County together. It was truly a blessing to be part of his life. There is one line from a Moody Blues song that came to mind today as we found we had lost our friend…
“Now you know that you are free, living all your life at ease.”
Rest in peace my friend.
Bob & Peg Williams says
So very sorry to hear about Jeff. Sincere condolences to you all.
God bless and keep you.
Steve & Cheryl Pedersen says
It was with sad hearts that we heard of Jeff’s passing. As my cousin Mark Undseth said we have great memories from the Pedersen family reunion at Itasca State Park and other get-togethers.
I remember Jeff and cousin Wade Pedersen playing guitar together, they were both very good and only teenagers. May God bless you at this time of your loss, I look at the promise and hope that God gives us in 1 Thessalonians 3:13-18.
Cousin Steve
Richard Griffin & Donette Peterson says
We were sad to hear of Jeff’s passing, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Larry Steck says
Diane & Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
A life well lived, God’s speed my friend! Rest in peace.
Barbara and Sonia Undseth says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We rejoice in knowing that Jeff is in the arms of his loving Savior. I’m sure he had a grand welcoming committee when he arrived in heaven and is now looking down on you with the most beautiful smile.
We loved Jeff dearly and wish you, Diane and Kristy, and the rest of the family the peace that knowing our Lord can bring.
You continue to be in our prayers. We wish we could be there with you to give you all big hugs….just know that we are there in spirit. We love you.
Your cousins, Barb and Sonia
Dorothy McCarter says
To Jeff’s family, My husband Mike and I are very saddened to learn of Jeff’s passing. We remember him so well as our friendly mail carrier for many years. He was always ready to chat and carried a big smile wherever he was. He left a big dent in the soul of Helena when he died. Our deepest sympathies to you.
Mike and Dorothy McCarter
Irene Reynolds says
Julie and Jane
I am sorry to read about your brother’s passing. I don’t remember much about him as he was a younger brother. But I know it is a loss for your family and you have my condolences.
Glen and Gloria Davis says
Diane, Kristy and Pedersen Family, we are so sorry to hear about Jeff’s passing. Please know that you are in your thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.
Jenny and Chris Dargan says
Kristy I am so very sorry for your loss. Cherish and hold dear the wonderful memories you have. Love and prayers to you, your mom and other family members.
Linda and Dan Gaughan says
Oh Kristy, I am so sorry to read of your father’s death. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bring you comfort now and always.
Matt and Ann Komac says
Diane and family.
We are so sorry to hear of Jeff ‘s passing. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Jeff was a wonderful man and we enjoyed many conversations at the mailbox. He always had a smile and a kind word.
May God provide you strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Matt & Ann Komac
Matt & Mary Kunnary says
We were sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing – may God’s blessings help you through this time of loss of a loved one.
Tiffaney Lankton Bieda says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Tiffaney Lankton Bieda and family
Loree Steckler says
Diane and family,
Although we lost touch after high school, I remember Jeff as a very kind and always nice person. After 41 years together I can’t even imagine the pain and sorrow you are going through Diane. there are not words to heal your heart at this time. My sincere condolences and my prayers are with you. Although Jim and I are not together in marriage any longer we remain very good friends, and he sends his condolences also. Loree (Giles) Steckler
Vickie Rauser says
Diane & Family,
My heart goes out to you during this time of sorrow. You are in my prayers; may God’s loving arms enfold you and ease your sorrow.
Marilyn Gill (Undseth) says
Dear Pedersen family,
My heart was heavy when I heard that my cousin Jeff had passed away!! I have such fond memories of him through our Pedersen reunions over the years. I was feeling much sadness at the realization that he died at such a young age. Then the thought struck me…how wonderful it must have been for Jeff to be welcomed home by his sweet daughter, Michelle, and then enveloped in the arms of his dad. What a truly joyous reunion is going on in heaven right now!!! I can almost hear Jeff’s singing and guitar playing 🙂 I pray that you will all find comfort in knowing he is loved beyond words, healed and shining brightly. May your broken hearts be mended with the precious memories you have of him and God’s assurance that you will all be reunited in heaven one day! With love, your cousin Marilyn