David Lee Pederson of Mesa, Arizona, formerly of Frederic, Wisconsin, died Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, surrounded by family in Mesa. Dave was born Feb. 20, 1967, to Lawrence and Darlene (Moulton) Pederson. Dave spent his childhood in Frederic, where his father Lawrence was the veterinarian. He later graduated from Frederic High School, and was a volunteer firefighter. Dave briefly lived in Burnsville, Minnesota where he married his first wife, Jane Breckner. He soon returned to Frederic with Jane and their triplets, MaryJane, Grant and Karl. Dave remained active in Frederic through much of his adult life. He served on the Frederic School Board and owned Silverstone Transport, a trucking company. Dave and Jane were honored as Frederic’s Citizens of the Year in 2008.
Later, Dave moved with his family to Arizona, where his children graduated from high school. Dave remarried in 2011 to his second wife, Joy Houser. Dave and Joy shared a love of the outdoors and led an active lifestyle. They explored many national parks after the kids graduated from high school. They also volunteered for a season with the National Forest Service in Payson, Arizona. Dave then settled into a career with FEMA, as a Disaster Emergency Communications Manager, where he helped to set up communications equipment for first responders during disasters throughout the United States.
David was paralyzed by a surgical accident in Nov. 2019 and spent the last five years of his life as a quadriplegic in a wheelchair. Even with his injury, Dave continued to live life to the fullest. Despite his physical limitations, Dave remained an avid traveler, enjoying traveling to Canada to go fishing with his brother, Allen.
David was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Pederson; and by his infant sister, Mary Jo. He is survived by his mother, Darlene Rous; wife, Joy Pederson; former wife, Jane Pederson; children, MaryJane, Grant and Karl (Maisy Glick) Pederson; his brothers, Allen (Teresa) Pederson and Jeffrey (Val) Johnson; sisters, LuAnn Seidlitz, Patricia (Craig) Liljeberg and Brenda (Steven) Tesch; by many nieces and nephews; and by his longtime nurse-attendant, Luis Hidalgo.
Dave will be sorely missed. To those who knew him, Dave will be remembered for his friendliness and his generous spirit. He was always willing to help a neighbor in need. According to his mother, Darlene, Dave showed his caring nature in early childhood when he frequently gave away his mittens to those who did not have any.
The funeral will be held on Saturday, Jan. 11, at Pilgrim Lutheran Church (507 Wisconsin Avenue, Frederic, Wisconsin). With a 10 a.m. visitation, 11 a.m. funeral and lunch to follow at the church.
