Douglas R. Pederson

July 23, 1942 - January 24, 2017

Douglas R. Pederson, age 74, of Wheeler, WI passed away Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017 at Mayo Clinic Health System – Eau Claire. He was born July 23, 1942 in Rice Lake, WI to Andrew and O’tillia (Kunze) Pederson. He was raised in Barron County and graduated from Cameron High School. He then graduated with a two year teaching degree from Barron County Teachers College. He later finished his degree at U.W. River Falls. In 1962 Douglas married Judy Zank in Barron, WI. They celebrated 54 years of marriage December 1, 2016. Doug taught 4th and 5th grade at the Jefferson Elementary School in the Rice Lake School District for 30 years. He enjoyed attending dirt track racing, deer hunting, politics, and having coffee with friends at many favorite cafés. Throughout his life he was involved with the family farm. When he retired from teaching, the farm became his full time occupation. Doug is survived by his wife of 54 years, Judy; his children, Suzie (Tony) Antczak, Nicolle (Steve) Dodge and Daniel Pederson; grandchildren, Cassie (Walker), Thane, Kade, Katrinna, Nathaniel, Durran, Preston and Austyn; great-grandchildren, Walker, Major and Wyatt; his siblings, Roger, Myron (Geri), Edith Richter, Dale (Wes) Watkins; as well as other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Frances Olson and Judy Holub. There will be a private Celebration of Doug’s life with burial in Hay River Cemetery in the Town of Hay River, Dunn Co. WI