Roger Ernest Pederson passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at the St. Cloud Hospital on Monday, September 7, 2026.

Roger, the son of Ernest T. Pederson and Olive M. (Hall) Pederson, was born on November 11, 1947, in Glenwood, MN. His parents had two children and Roger was the youngest. He grew up in Glenwood, where he attended school and graduated in 1965. Following high school, he attended Alexandria Technical College and graduated with a degree in carpentry in the spring of 1967. At that point, he was drafted into the Army to serve in the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge in September 1969, Roger began a twenty-year career with the Soo Line Railroad in Glenwood. He then spent eight years at Runestone Construction before obtaining his Class A license and joining Riley Brothers Construction, where he worked until his retirement.

He was united in marriage to Nancy A. Fox on May 29, 1971, at Drywood Church in rural Appleton, MN. The service was followed by a reception and dance at Lakeside Ballroom in Glenwood.

During their fifty-five year marriage, they made their home on farms in Glenwood, where Roger and Nancy raised their three children. Amongst other things, he taught each of his kids to ride a horse and a bike, and in that order. He loved supporting his kids and participating in their sports, school, and community activities, as well as being active in the Waska Riders Saddle Club, and the Lev-Reno Ramblers 4-H Club.

Roger’s active and spirited nature was most evident when he was doing what he loved. He was a true outdoorsman and animal lover at heart—whether he was out hunting, snowmobiling, riding horses, ice fishing, or tending to the farm, he was happiest out in the fresh air.

Above all else, Roger was truly in his element whenever his family was together: taking a long scenic drive, playing catch in the yard, heading out on a trail ride, or tackling a construction project at the farm. And, of course, no family game was complete without Roger shouting out answers from across the room to a board game he wasn't even playing.

Everyone who loved him will forever remember his sense of humor - which could jump from silly and goofy to delightfully dry in a heartbeat. They'll miss his soft spot for sweets, especially anything chocolate, his work ethic, his generous heart, and the unwavering devotion he gave to his Minnesota sports teams, no matter how much they tested his patience.

He is preceded in death by his parents, aunts, and uncles.

He is survived by his wife Nancy of Glenwood; his children Trisha Pederson (Alexander Hills) of Minneapolis, MN, Toni Knutson (Erik) of Apple Valley, MN, and Justin Pederson (Jacqueline) of Lenexa, KS; his grandchildren Banks (10), Palmer (8), Myles (5), and Campbell (4) of Lenexa, KS; his sister Dorothy (Pederson) Seidler of Hillsboro, TX; his brothers-in-law John Fox of Watertown, SD, and Joe Fox of Appleton, MN; and his two nieces and three nephews.

In lieu of gifts, the family asks that those wishing to honor Roger's memory consider a donation to the Disabled Veterans of America, the Wounded Warrior Project, or Tunnels to Towers. A celebration of life will be held in spring 2027.