December 22, 2022 at 10:56 a.m.
Gerald Edward "Jerry" Pederson Sr.
Gerald Edward "Jerry" Pederson Sr.
Jerry was born on Nov. 11, 1942, in Chippewa Falls, to Herman and Lorraine (Christopherson) Pederson. He was raised in Chippewa Falls and was a 1961 graduate of Chippewa Falls High School. He worked road construction with Killoren Contruction out of Chippewa Falls for several years and it was during this time that he met his future wife, Barbara Lindberg, in the town that he was working in. They dated for a time and then were united in marriage on August 3, 1963, in Chippewa Falls. The couple moved to Rhinelander sometime in late 1967 when Jerry took a position as a lineman for the Rhinelander Telephone Company (Citizens Utility Co.). He worked his way up through the company and retired in 2003 as a supervisor for the lineman and repair division of the company. He was a man of many trades and talents and spent his retirement woodworking, roofing, repairing, and building homes and additions, restoring vintage cars, and building his first ever rat rod car.
He was known for being a kind, gentle soul and was a nonjudgmental, quiet, patient, fair man who had a very big heart. He had a great personality and loved to joke around. He took great pride in being able to fix just about anything.
Besides enjoying antique cars, Jerry also enjoyed Hodag Country Fest for many years, snowmobiling, and camping at Bob Lake in the U.P. which was a family Fourth of July tradition.
But most of all, Jerry will be remembered for being a selfless, dedicated husband, father, and grandpa. He would have done anything for his family.
He will be dearly missed by his wife, Barbara; children, Gerald E. Pederson Jr. of Rhinelander, Tamara (Paul) Berns of Middleton, and Melissa (Kirby) Kohler of Eastman; seven grandchildren, Chelsea Pederson, Aaron, Olivia and Hannah Berns, and Autumn, Landon, and Tanner Kohler and great-grandchildren.
Jerry had a very close relationship with Michelle (Scott) Roeser-Samuels of Mukwonago, who he considered his unofficial adopted daughter. He is also survived by his siblings, Denny (Terry) Pederson of Eau Claire, and Bonnie Brovald of Chippewa Falls. Jerry is further survived by nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Lorraine Pederson.
The family will be honoring Jerry's request that there be no visitation or service. They will be remembering and celebrating his life privately.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home and Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to sign the guestbook or leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com.
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