HAROLD L. PEDERSEN, 92 ROCKFORD - Harold L. Pedersen, 92, of Rockford died Monday, April 27, 2009. Born Jan. 7, 1917, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Tones L. and Christine Esbensen Pedersen. He graduated from Drake University in 1941. He married Gertrude M. McKevitt on May 8, 1943, in Vinton, Iowa. A veteran of World War II, Harold was a proud member of the 113th Cavalry "Red Horse Div.," served in France and Germany, with a rank of master sergeant. Joined Whitney Metal Tool of Rockford (now Roper Whitney) as an accountant in 1947, became treasurer and retired in 1986. A charter member of the Heritage Kiwanis, he later served as president. Longtime member of Centennial UMC and later Evergreen Covenant Church. His voice graced Centennial for many years in the choir. He also taught Sunday school classes at both. Survivors include wife, Gertrude; son, Phillip (Terrie) Pedersen of Littleton, Colo.; daughter, Miriam (Bruce) Jacobson of Rockford; "Grampa" to Leslie (Jeremy) LeBeau, David and Lindsey Jacobson and Mark (Mindy), Erin and Emily Pedersen; "great-grampa" to Ryan and Adriana LeBeau and Annabelle Pedersen; brother, Raymond (Ruth) Pedersen of Las Vegas; brother-in-law, Jack Lamping of New Jersey; and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents; brother, Tones; and sisters, Helen (Virgil) Mercier, Lucile (Tom) Eggers and Virginia (Jack) Lamping. Thank-you to the staff at Neighbors Rehab Center and Swedish American Hospital (ER and 10th floor staff) for their kind and compassionate care. Also special thanks to longtime friend and neighbor, Harry Tallacksen Jr., for being there in times of need. At 10 a.m. Saturday, May 9, in Evergreen Covenant Church, a time of remembrance will begin, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m., with Pastor Jim Schwalm officiating. Memorials can be made to Evergreen Covenant Church or the Blackhawk Fire Department. Arrangements completed by Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory, Rockford Chapel. For online condolences, visit honquestfh.com.

Published in Rockford Register Star from May 7 to May 13, 2009

courtesy of Gary Walker (#47179247)