Arlene Pederson

Arlene O. Pederson, age 90, of Willmar, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, Sept. 9, at her residence.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 21, at Bethel Lutheran Church.  Interment will be at Cloverleaf Memorial Park Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 20, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home and will continue for one hour prior to the service.  Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.    www.petersonbrothers.com

Arlene Olive Pederson was born on November 9, 1930, in Willmar, Minnesota, the daughter of Olvin and Alphia (Gjelhaug) Shelstad.  She grew up in Willmar and graduated from Willmar High School in 1950.  On December 19, 1952, in England, Arlene was united in marriage to John Edward Pederson.  They lived in Hayes, England for two years before moving back to the Willmar community.  Arlene was employed for many years in retail sales at J.C. Penny in Willmar.  She was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church.  Her hobbies included reading, puzzle books and painting.

She is survived by her three children, Cynthia (and Kerry) Bacon of Cambridge, John (and Connie) Pederson of Annandale and Patricia (and Mark) Johnson of Spicer; eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, besides other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John in 2006 and a sister, Lorraine Wegner in 2014.