Curtis Pederson

Curtis Ray Pederson, age 83, of Grand Forks, ND, passed away of pnuemonia on Monday, September 27, 2021 at Good Samaritan Society, Larimore, North Dakota. 

Curtis Ray Pederson was born June 1, 1938 in Orr, ND the youngest son of seven to Clarence and Madeline Nugent (Florence) Pederson.  Curtis grew up in Inkster, ND and attended school and graduated there.  Curtis served in the US Army National Guard of ND from June 1, 1954-1957 with Honorable Discharge.

Curtis moved to Grand Forks and worked for various farmers driving beet/potato trucks/tractors during harvest season.  In 1964 he joined Lavelle Lumber Company working with his brother Orville operating the Grand Forks distribution yard on Demers Avenue.

On June 1, 1972 Curtis was united in marriage to JoAnn Ekren at United Lutheran Church.  They resided in Grand Forks.

In 1977 Lavelle Lumber Company relocated to Fargo, but they decided not to move.  Curtis then joined American Crystal Sugar in EGF, MN until retirement.

In their spare time Union Lake was the place to be for them and family/ friends.  They would travel to Mahnomen and gamble and back to the lake.  Curt liked to bowl, water ski, horse races, Bingo, Fishing, football (Vikings), baseball, hockey (UND Fighting Sioux), GF Speedway, NASCAR, Live Country Bands and old western movies.

In 2005 his wife JoAnn passed of renal failure.  He was devastated and lost as they had made plans for retirement together.

In 2013 Curtis had a stroke and never recovered his right side completely.  I his Stepdaughter stepped in to help all I could to keep home as long as  I could.  He could not write which made him upset.  I took over finances for him.  He ended up in the Hospital many times for falling and unconscious.  He was considered a fall risk on July 24,2020 and not to return home.  We talked on the phone a lot because no visitors during pandemic.  He liked the staff/Brad’s singing especially and the food at Larimore Good Samaritan Society. 

Curtis is survived by his daughter (Step) Debbie Ekren of Grand Forks; Grandchildren; Jennifer (Michael) Casavant, Bottineau, ND-Great children; Samantha & Eva Casavant.

Curtis has many nieces and nephews surviving.

Curtis is proceeded in death by his wife (JoAnn), His Parents (Clarence & Florence), Brothers; Theodore, Orville, Claire, Muril, his Sisters; Vivian and Lois Pederson. 

Memorial Services will be 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 2021  in Amundson Funeral Home, Grand Forks.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service in the funeral home.  Inurnment will be in Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks. 

** Quote:  In the end all you can hope for is the love you felt to equal the pain you’ve gone through…