Claire Pederson

Claire E. Pederson, 82, Grand Forks, ND passed away Monday, February 14, 2011 in Tufte Manor, Grand Forks after a short battle with lung cancer. Claire was born January 11, 1929 in Pontiac, MI the son of Clarence and Florence Pederson. He served in the U. S. Navy from 1946 to 1949. After his service, Claire came to Grand Forks where he worked at the Dacotah Hotel. Claire married Mary Anna Rousseau on August 17, 1958 in Crookston, MN. They moved to Fargo, ND where Claire was assistant manager of the Oak Manor Motel. They later returned to Grand Forks where Claire was the assistant manager of the Elks club. He also worked for the Bronze Boot in Grand Forks. In his retirement, Claire worked as a custodian at Grand Forks Central High School. He was a fond brother-inlaw, uncle, cousin. A friend to all and a stranger to no one. Claire is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 53 years, Mary Anna "Marion"; daughters, Sherry (David) Hotaling, Brandon, MS, Pamela (Ralph) Holloway, Auburn, WA, Patti (Mark) Reimer, Grand Forks; brothers, Orville (Dixie) Pederson and Muril (Bette) Pederson, both of Minneapolis, MN and Curtis Pederson, Grand Forks; grandchildren, Julia Hotaling, Brandon, MS, Brittany (Stephen) Robello, San Diego, CA, Peter Holloway and Ashley Holloway, both of Auburn, WA, Matthew Reimer, Megan Reimer and Michael Reimer all of Grand Forks. Claire is preceded in death by his parents; his brother Theodore and two sisters, Vivian and Lois.