Donald L. Pedersen
June 23rd, 1943 - August 4th, 2023
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Donald's Obituary
Donald L. Pedersen, 80, passed away Friday, August 4, 2023 at Bronson Commons in Mattawan, MI.
Don was born on June 23, 1943 in Paw Paw, MI to Adolph and Reba (Huff) Pedersen. He was raised in Decatur where he graduated from high school in 1963. Following his love of country first, in 1965 Don served in the United States Army, stationed in Germany. He served as a military police officer until his honorable discharge in 1971. On April 20, 1968, Don married the love of his life, Dixie Murphy, with whom he spent 55 wonderful years. Don and Dixie went on to have two daughters, Shari and Lori. Don always loved and was very proud of his children and their accomplishments. Later in life, when grandchildren came along, they were given the same love and admiration.
After working various jobs to support his family, Don gained employment with Ameriwood in Dowagiac, MI, retiring in 2005 after more than 20 years of dedication. Don was quite the craftsman and like to stay busy. He was always working on home improvement projects. It seems as though there was absolutely nothing Don could not fix.
Don enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers and, of course, Michigan football. Nothing, though, could ever come close to love he had for spending time with his family.
Don is survived by his wife, Dixie; his daughters, Shari Dean and Lori (Dave)Walker; his grandchildren, Hilari (Cory)Sabo, Tyler Wiles, Devin (Nichole Hiscock) Krogel, Kierra (Ryan Downs) Krogel, Amber Krogel, and Zachary Dean; his step-grandchildren, Madison (Kyler Munro), and Cameron Walker; his great grandchildren, Brody and Ava Sabo, along with Annabelle and Sophia Wiles; and a long-time family friend who Don thought of as his own son, Mark Graham. Don is preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Ervin, Betsy, Jack, Pete, and Delbert.
A military graveside service will be held for family at Lakeside Cemetery in Decatur on Friday, August 11, 2023. Donations may be made to the Decatur VFW post 6248, 560 N. Phelps St., Decatur, MI 49045.
Don was born on June 23, 1943 in Paw Paw, MI to Adolph and Reba (Huff) Pedersen. He was raised in Decatur where he graduated from high school in 1963. Following his love of country first, in 1965 Don served in the United States Army, stationed in Germany. He served as a military police officer until his honorable discharge in 1971. On April 20, 1968, Don married the love of his life, Dixie Murphy, with whom he spent 55 wonderful years. Don and Dixie went on to have two daughters, Shari and Lori. Don always loved and was very proud of his children and their accomplishments. Later in life, when grandchildren came along, they were given the same love and admiration.
After working various jobs to support his family, Don gained employment with Ameriwood in Dowagiac, MI, retiring in 2005 after more than 20 years of dedication. Don was quite the craftsman and like to stay busy. He was always working on home improvement projects. It seems as though there was absolutely nothing Don could not fix.
Don enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers and, of course, Michigan football. Nothing, though, could ever come close to love he had for spending time with his family.
Don is survived by his wife, Dixie; his daughters, Shari Dean and Lori (Dave)Walker; his grandchildren, Hilari (Cory)Sabo, Tyler Wiles, Devin (Nichole Hiscock) Krogel, Kierra (Ryan Downs) Krogel, Amber Krogel, and Zachary Dean; his step-grandchildren, Madison (Kyler Munro), and Cameron Walker; his great grandchildren, Brody and Ava Sabo, along with Annabelle and Sophia Wiles; and a long-time family friend who Don thought of as his own son, Mark Graham. Don is preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Ervin, Betsy, Jack, Pete, and Delbert.
A military graveside service will be held for family at Lakeside Cemetery in Decatur on Friday, August 11, 2023. Donations may be made to the Decatur VFW post 6248, 560 N. Phelps St., Decatur, MI 49045.
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