Alfred P. Pedersen, 89 years old of Antioch, IL passed away Friday May 14, 2010 at the Aurora Medical Center, Kenosha, WI after an extended illness. He was a life long resident of Antioch, the son of the late Alfred J. and Mary Griffin Pedersen, and was known as a self-made man and "A Farmers Friend" like his father before him. He started in the farm machinery business with his father in 1936, and later in 1946 was joined by his brother Bob. In 1949 they added a GMC Truck Dealership and for many years Alfred purchased and sold several farms in the area. Al was active in several organizations including the Antioch Lions Club, member of the Antioch Rotary Club, Lake County Farm Bureau, Lake County Republican Club, Ivanhoe Country Club and a former member of the Board of Directors of the First National Bank in Antioch. On June 3, 1944 he married Florence Prince at St. Peter Church, Antioch. Survivors include his wife of nearly 66 years Florence; five sons, Alfred P. (Judy) Pedersen Jr. of Antioch, Lloyd Pedersen of West Hollywood, CA, twin sons Dean (Linda) Pedersen of Antioch and Dale (Dawn) Pedersen, of Blanchardville, WI, and Brian (Mary) Pedersen of Antioch; three sisters, Alice Dunkin of Libertyville, IL, Edna (William) Barr of Antioch and Lena Dalgaard of Kirkwood, MO; nine grandchildren, Tammi (Mark) Lyles, Dean A. (Michelle) Pedersen Jr, Carol (Dan) Murin, Jeannine Pedersen, Donald Pedersen, Breanna Pedersen, Connie Smith, Shannon Pedersen and Christina Pedersen, ten great-grandchildren, Austin and Daylon Lyles, Abigail and Benjamin Pedersen, Damian and Peyton Pedersen, Dane, Isabella and Marcus Murin and Ava Guzman. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother Robert and three sisters, Helen Nelson, Rose McCord and Grace Johnson. Funeral Services with Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 Wednesday at St. Raphael the Archangel Church, 2101 East Route 173, Antioch, IL. Interment will be in Hickory Union Cemetery, Edwards Rd., Antioch Township, IL. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday at the STRANG FUNERAL HOME OF ANTIOCH, 1055 Main Street (Route 83). Info 847-395-4000. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Raphael the Archangel Church, in his memory.

Published in News Sun from May 15 to May 17, 2010