PEDERSON, Monte C., age 81

Died: Friday, January 26th, 2024

Funeral Service: 1:00 PM on Friday, February 2, 2024 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Eau Claire (3214 Golf Road, Eau Claire, WI)

Visitation: 11:00 AM to time of service at church on Friday

Interment: Upper Pigeon Creek Cemetery, Hixton, Wisconsin 

In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Monte may be given to:
Immanuel Lutheran Church,
Feed My People or Upper Pigeon Lutheran Church Cemetery

Monte C. Pederson, age 81, of Eau Claire, passed away on Friday, January 26, 2024, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis surrounded by his family

Monte was born on April 17, 1942 in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. He was raised in Northfield, Wisconsin spending most days at his dad's gas station where locals would gather to play cards, share stories, and speak Norwegian. In 1960, Monte graduated from Jackson High School in Hixton, Wisconsin and married his high school sweetheart, Violet Olson, in December 1961.

Known for his warm smile and kind demeanor, Monte was a cherished father, grandfather, friend, and neighbor. He loved getting together with family and with his daily coffee buddies. He was passionate about cars and worked for 25 years as an auto body instructor at Chippewa Valley Technical College where he was beloved by his students and colleagues. Even in retirement Monte had an incredible work ethic, always busy with a project or two.

He enjoyed pheasant and deer hunting as a young man and as he got older, he often could be found baking delicious cookies and homemade bread. However, there is no question that his absolute favorite hobby was fishing! Monte spent countless hours on his boat fishing and ice-fishing, especially on Chain Lake and Red Cedar Lake during the years that he and Violet lived in homes on those lakes. Throughout their marriage, they enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, Europe, and Canada. In his later years, Monte and Violet frequently took leisurely drives along the Mississippi River to take in the scenery, count eagles, and stop for a picnic lunch.

Aside from marrying his best friend, Monte was most proud of being a father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Violet Pederson; daughter, Sally Pederson, son-in-law, Troy Mayne, grandchildren, Ellis Mayne and Celia Mayne; son, Russell Pederson, daughter-in-law, Nancy Pederson, grandsons, Elias and Isak Pederson, and their mother, Susann Ahrabi-Fard; brother, Jerry (Betty) Pederson; sister, Rosanne (Mark) Hoff; several nieces and nephews, and many family members on Violet's side. 

Monte was preceded in death by his parents, Irvin and Lyla Pederson, and his in-laws, Fred and Sylvia Olson.