Irene Pederson • 1919 - 2011

Irene Pederson, 91, a recent resident of Edgewood Vista of Minot, died Sunday, March 6, 2011, in a Minot nursing home after a brief illness. 

Irene Genette Spalla was born on Oct. 12, 1919, a daughter of Joseph and Anna (Triska) Spalla near Plaza, N.D. The youngest child of a large family, she had five sisters and four brothers. She was raised and educated in the Plaza area before moving to Minot in 1943.

Irene married Bjarne Pederson on May 8, 1957. The couple made their home in Minot, raising sons, attending church, socializing with friends, playing bingo and Scrabble, gardening, barbecuing, and frequenting and holding rummage sales. Irene was an excellent cook, kept a spotless home, had a keen interest in weather, liked to watch “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” on TV, and loved to dance to country music.

A familiar face in Minot retail sales, Irene worked at Woolworth’s from 1944 until the store closed in 1982. She also worked at Montgomery Ward and the Ben Franklin store.

Irene was a longtime member of St. Leo’s Catholic Church.

She is survived by her sons Harold Pederson, Minot, and Warren Pederson, San Francisco, Calif.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bjarne; 7-year-old son, Larry; five sisters; and four brothers.

Visitation: Thursday, March 10, 2011, from noon to 7 p.m. at Thompson Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Vigil Prayer Service: Thursday, March 10, 2011, 7 p.m. at Thompson Larson Funeral Home Chapel, Minot.

Mass of Christian Burial:  Friday, March 11, 2011, 10 a.m. at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Minot.

Burial: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

Celebrant of the Liturgies: Father Austin Vetter

Music
Opening hymn “Be Not Afraid”
Offertory song “Safe in the Arms of Jesus”
Communion song “Just a Closer Walk With Thee”
Commendation “Song of Farewell”
Closing song “How Great Thou Art”
Nadine Holmly and Luther C. Hanson, musicians

Honorary Bearers: Irene’s family and friends

Immediately after the graveside service, there will be lunch and fellowship in the fellowship hall of the church.

The Pederson family would like to thank everyone for the many acts of kindness shown to them during this difficult time. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten. May God bless the memory of Irene.

To sign the online guest register for Irene
To view the online guest register for Irene

To view the inside of Irene's folder
To view the outside of Irene's folder

Back to Obituaries