Denis Paul Pederson

Denis Paul Pederson passed away on October 1, 2024 at the age of 88. Born on December 22, 1935, he was known for being a loving husband, son, brother, father, uncle, great-uncle and friend. He loved making jam. And he loved even more seeing the smiles it brought to other people’s faces. He loved to fly. He last flew over Catalina after eating lunch at Orvil and Wilber’s restaurant in Manhattan Beach. He was a veteran of the US Army. Serving two years as a paratrooper and photographer, and another 2 years as a reservist. He attended and graduated from UCLA. He built bridges with his many friends and co-workers. He even designed a bridge that he helped build in Mojave, CA. He had a scientific mind, was a math whiz and helped his family and friends with his common-sense approach to life, lending and hand when able. He grew up on a “ranchette” which was taken by the state to build a school. That’s how he wound up in Lucerne Valley. He worked hard, did his homework on the hour-long bus ride home after school. He helped his dad to work on other nearby farms after school. He touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his daughter Lillian Pederson, his sister Deanna Bernet Peden, sister-in-law Jean Pederson, his cousin Dee Flory, Nephews and Nieces: Philip-Dean, Mitch & Wendy, Grant & Cyndi, John & Candie, Ernie & Jennifer, Jennie, Cindy & Jeff, David, Kathy, Matthew, Vicky, Sandy, Chris & Gudrun, Greg and many great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by wife Dorothy Pederson, son Eric Pederson, nephew Michael Pederson, Nephew Brett Weaver, and Great Nephew Brendan Pederson. Two services will be held at: 1. St George’s Episcopal Church 4679 W. El Segundo Blvd, Hawthorne, CA 90250 on Sunday November 3, 2024, at 10 am. 2. And at High Desert for Spiritual Living 18575 Corwin Rd, Apple Valley, CA 92307 Saturday November 16, 2024, at 11 am. Denis Pederson’s life included Micro-biology, science, construction, cooking, jam, flying, and he will be remembered for his long vacations taken by car. He helped his grandparents rebuild their house at 9 years old. After an injury, he became the family cook. He dropped back into life when he heard Father Leo Booth speak at St George’s Episcopal Church. He cleaned the church grounds, joined the choir, baked for the monthly bake sale, was on the Bishop’s committee and even made food, including kidney pie, for the English people in the church. He kept Joe & Sharon in food for the month by cooking and putting meals in Chinese take-out containers. He loved the desert where he grew up. He returned in 2009, again making it his and Dorothy’s home. Donations may be sent in lieu of flowers to the American Lung Association.

Denis Paul Pederson

December 22, 1935 - October 1, 2024