George Pederson Sr. 78, Williston, died on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009, surrounded by family at the Mercy Medical Center, Williston. In keeping with George’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are planned.

The Fulkerson Funeral Home, Williston is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Friends may sign the online register book and share their condolences at www.fulkersons.com.

George Pederson Sr. was born on March 26, 1931, in Guthrie, N.D., the only child of Morris and Alvina Pederson.

He graduated from Tioga High School and began working for the Burlington Northern Railroad. He married his sweetheart, Lavonne Offner from Rugby, on Nov. 7, 1950. He joined the North Dakota Army National Guard in 1947. His tour of duty included a deployment to Korea in January 1952, 11 days after the birth of his first child, George Jr.

After leaving the National Guard, George went to work for the Sweetheart Bread Company in sales and delivery. He remained with the company for 42 years.

He loved to fish, hunt, play his accordion and to just tinker. He prided himself on being a Jack-of-all trades and was always willing to try to fix anything.

He enjoyed meeting new people and keeping current on the events of the day. He loved to laugh. George’s children fondly remember him laughing to the point of tears while they all watched cartoons.

After his retirement, George and Lavonne were able to indulge in their love of travel and enjoyed visiting with friends and family all around the country.

George was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Lavonne, Williston; son, George Jr. (Laurie), Williston; daughter, Joan Shields (Peter), Onamia, Minn., and daughter, Judy Marmon (Rick), Williston; three grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and 12 step-great-grandchildren.