Evelyn C. (Olson) Pederson, 95, of Dell Rapids passed away peacefully on November 5, 2019 at the Dougherty Hospice House. Her funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at 10:30 AM in the United Methodist Church, Dell Rapids. Interment will be in the Dell Rapids Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday and the family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Dell Rapids.
Evelyn Olson was born on September 20, 1924 on her parent’s farm in Moody County. She was proud to have attended Hunt Country School, graduated from Dell Rapids Public High School in 1942, and then attended Nettleton Commercial College in Sioux Falls. Evelyn worked in Sioux Falls through 1948. She also worked at the Dell Rapids Lumber Yard and the Dells Dress Shop. In 1966 Evelyn (Evie to the students) went to work for the Dell Rapids School District and retired in 1991. She was known for her memory of the families and history of Dell Rapids and Moody County.
Evelyn married Harvey L. Pederson on August 25, 1946 when he returned from his service in the US Navy in World War II. They lived in an apartment above 422 4th (Main) Street until they moved into their home at 209 East 8th Street in 1949. They lived there until 2012, when they moved to Orchard Hills.
Evelyn and Harvey were members of the Dell Rapids United Methodist Church, The Dakota Territories Model A Club, Tri-Cities Square Dance Club, Tri-State Camper Club, and the Couples Dance Club in Sioux Falls. She also enjoyed her Bridge Club and her Bible Study Group and the Dell Rapids American Legion Auxiliary. She and Harvey really enjoyed travel in their Motorhome. In addition to travel throughout the Midwest, they also drove to Alaska four times.
Evelyn is preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Mary (Christensen) Olson; sisters, Edith Olson and Margaret (Olson) Joneson and her husband, Harvey L. Pederson.
Evelyn is survived by her sons, Gary (Kay) Pederson of Fort Worth, TX and Grant (Julie) Pederson of Wentworth, SD; grandchildren, Nathan (Katy) Pederson of Peters Creek, AK, Stacey (Scott) Kolstad of Anchorage, AK, Libby (Jason DeJardin) of Anchorage, AK, Courtney (Chad) Lyle of Whitefish, MT, Collin (Alison) Pederson of Fort Worth, TX and Austin (Sarah) Pederson of Beaverton, OR; eight great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
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