Larry O. Pedersen, age 65, of Scotland, South Dakota, died Thursday, June 19, 2008 at the VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls.
Funeral services are 10:30 AM, Monday, June 23, 2008 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton, South Dakota with Pastor Daniel Flyger officiating. Burial will in the Meckling Cemetery in rural Meckling with military honors provided by the Rudolph-Christensen American Legion Post No. 237 of Gayville. Visitation is from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, on Sunday, at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. Visitation continues an hour prior to the funeral service.
Pallbearers are Greg Pedersen, Chuck Pedersen, Leroy Pedersen, Mark Nelson, Richard Kloucek and Bob Rada. Honorary pallbearers are the members of the Rudolph- Christensen American Legion Post No. 237.
Larry was born on October 11, 1942 in Meckling, South Dakota to Ole and Bertha (Peterson) Pedersen. He grew up Lesterville, SD and attended grade school at Cedar Grove No. 37. He attended 3 years of high school at Scotland and graduated from Tabor High School. After school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served two tours of duty in the Vietnam War. After his discharge in January of 1969, he was a truck driver for several local trucking companies. Larry had a heavy foot, so his CB handle was Flying Pork Chop. Larry was a lifetime member of the Yankton Disabled American Veterans and served as the local chapter commander. He also was a volunteer driver for the DAV. Larry was a member of the Rudolph-Christensen American Legion Post No. 237 of Gayville and the US Navy Ammunition Ships Association. Larry enjoyed playing golf, cutting hay and helping neighbors with their field work.
Survivors include six brothers: Paul J. (Bernice) of Scotland, Marlow (Donna) of Central City, NE, Budd (Carol) of Scotland, Harold (Connie) of Milaca, MN, Sidney (Nancy) of Oxnard, CA and Leo (Linda) of Scotland; 17 nieces and nephews; 39 grand nieces and nephews; 4 great grand nieces and nephews; special friend, Mary Davis of Scotland; and his loyal companions, Shadow and Buddy.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Thomas Pedersen.
Memorials may be directed to the Yankton DAV Van Fund.
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