Richard Pederson
Richard “Rich” H. Pederson, 81, of Fort Dodge, IA, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Crestview Manor in Webster City, IA, surrounded by his loving family. He fought a long courageous battle with Fronto temporal Dementia and Squamous Cell Carcinoma affecting Cranial Nerves 4, 5 and 6. Rich was under the care of St. Croix Hospice and Crestview Staff. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the First Presbyterian Church, 1111 5th Avenue North — Fort Dodge, with Pastor Paul Masters and Pastor Shawn Roberts officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the VFW Post 1856 and U.S. Air Force Honor Guard. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4:00 PM-7:00 PM on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the First Presbyterian Church. Memorials may be directed to the family. Arrangements are with Historic Bruce Funeral Home of Fort Dodge. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.brucesfuneralhome.com
Richard was born November 25, 1944, to Ernest T. and Ruth M. (Gullixson) Pederson at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Dodge. He was number 7 of 8 children. Growing up on the farm southeast of Bode with older brothers and sisters made for lots of interesting experiences.
Rich was baptized and confirmed at St. Olaf Church in Bode. He graduated from Twin Rivers High School in Bode where he excelled in numerous sports. In the fall of 1964, he enrolled at Fort Dodge Junior College on a football scholarship. Although the Panthers never won a game that year, he was named most valuable in his running back position with his ‘catlike reflexes.’
A mutual friend introduced the couple. First date was December 20, 1964. The following March, Rich asked Joan’s father (John Ault) permission to marry. Wedding set for November 20, 1965, at the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Dodge.
Day of wedding, draft notice arrived in mail at Joan’s parents’ house. Because of the tradition of not seeing the bride until she walks down the aisle, he did not know about the letter until after the ceremony.
Rich enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and left for basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, then special training in Biloxi, Mississippi, where Joan joined him.
Next came San Angelo, Texas, where they welcomed the birth of their daughter.
Wherever Rich was stationed, he had a part-time job so that they could all be together.
Then San Vito dei Normanni Air Force Base in Italy. Rich was a Non Com Morse Code Intercept Operator. After 18 months in Italy the family returned to Texas. East Kelly Air Base in San Antonio where their son was born.
In 1970, Rich had an honorable discharge with the rank of E-5, returned to Fort Dodge and employed at Fort Dodge Labs. The opportunity to work at Hormel arose and he was employed from 1971 until the plant closed. While working days on the kill floor, he enrolled in night classes at Iowa Central under the G.I. bill, graduating in 1975. Then night classes through Buena Vista College graduating with a double major in Psychology and Sociology in 1977.
Next adventure, selling fresh gulf shrimp he brought back from Louisiana in the back of his Dodge pickup.
Another new venture to embark on: Pederson’s Sport About in Humboldt, Iowa. Started his successful business from scratch. Shoes, clothing and merchandise for all sports. Sold the business in 1987.
Always moving on: delivery driver for Central Iowa Distributing; wallboard loader National Gypsum and Correctional Officer at Fort Dodge Correctional Facility retiring in 2010.
During the mid-70’s and 80’s Rich refereed high school football games within a 60-mile radius. He was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys and ISU Cyclones football team; season ticket holder for many years. He enjoyed his collection of Route 66 memorabilia and desired to travel that highway.
Rich was the pitcher for Pasquale’s in the 70’s for the Fast Pitch Softball League. He threw the ball bouncing off his right hip, which probably helped contribute to hip replacement at age 50. It is a shame they didn’t have a radar gun back then. He enjoyed jogging until hips and knees needed replacing. Then long walks became his daily routine. The lawn was his pride and joy — weeds didn’t stand a chance.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents: Ernest and Ruth; sisters: Audrey and husband Harlan (Cap) Harris, Ruth E. Bakken, Karen and husband Jim Moen; brothers: Douglas and wife Jean, Johnny, Pete, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years: Joan Pederson of Fort Dodge; daughter: Tiffany (Rick) Carlson of Fort Dodge; son: Rich II (Tina) Pederson of Des Moines, IA; granddaughters: Meghan Donnelly (Poly Metobo) of Cedar Rapids, IA, Haley (Chris) Hundley of Grimes, IA, Hannah Pederson of Johnston, IA; great granddaughters: Charlotte Hundley, Kinsley Reynolds and Amani Metobo; stepgrandsons: Chad (Laura) Carlson of McGregor, IA, Nick (Dani) Carlson of Manson, IA, Ryan Carlson of Callender, IA; step great grandchildren: Rial, Archie, Gus, Cayl, Cade and Lainey; sister: Rosalind (Dan) Collins of Long Grove, IA; brother-in-law: Robert Bakken of Council Bluffs, IA; sister-in-law: Jeanne Reynolds of Urbandale, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In the words of Rich: This cat’s going to bed, see you in the mornin’.