Rudy Pederson, age 85, passed away on March 17, 2012, at Milestone Senior Living in Rhinelander. He was born January 8, 1927 in Monico, WI to Rudie and Cora(Steinke)Pederson. He attended Monico Grade School and then went on to Antigo High School, where he graduated in 1945. Soon after graduation he was inducted into the US Army. After basic training, he became a member of the 82nd Lightning Division of the United States Infantry in Berlin, Germany and was part of the Occupation Forces. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Rhinelander and was employed by the Rhinelander Paper Company as an electrician for 42 years, retiring in April of 1989. He also operated Pederson Sand and Gravel and was known for having the best gravel in Oneida County. He married Jeanette Stanzil of Three Lakes on November 13, 1950 and the Lord blessed them with 61 years of marriage. Rudy served as the Town Chairman for Monico for 30 years and also served on the Oneida County Board. He was a lifelong member of the Grace Ev. Lutheran Church in Monico and had served as their President and Treasurer. His Savior and church were a large part of Rudy's life. Rudy served as the sexton of the Monico Memorial Cemetery for many, many years, served on the Three Lakes School Board, and was a member of the Monico Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed playing baseball, basketball and ice hockey. He enjoyed ice skating and roller skating at the indoor rink in Post Lake. He loved trout fishing each spring and many years of deer hunting in the fall. He was "The Cook" at the "Hunting Shack" each year. He is survived by his loving wife Jeanette of Monico, his children; Thomas(Susan)Pederson of Hartland, MI, Markie(Matt)Olechowski of Three Lakes, Terry(Martha)Pederson of Monico, Timothy(Laura)Pederson of Hartland, WI, Michele(Jim) Beckman of Waite Hill, OH, eleven grandchildren Erik, Edward, Christopher, and Patrick Pederson, Nathan, Jason, Chad and Sarah Gensler, Mark, Tina and John McBride and nine great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters; Ila Davies and Lynndred Newby and a brother Durward Pederson. Funeral services for Rudy will be held at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rhinelander on Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at 11:00 AM with the Reverend Neil Varnum officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 PM on Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at the Carlson Funeral Home and from 10:00 AM until just prior to the services on Wednesday at the Church. Interment will be in the Monico Memorial Cemetery. In honor of Rudy's service as a volunteer firefighter, a memorial has been established in his name for the benefit of the Monico Volunteer Fire Department and contributions may be directed in care of his family. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414/www.carlsonfh.com) is handling the arrangements for the Pederson family.
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