Allan Pedersen

Allan R. Pedersen, age 72, of Alta, Iowa died Sunday, February 12, 2017 at Methodist Manor Retirement Community in Storm Lake. Memorial services will take place Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Summit Evangelical Free Church in Alta. Burial will be in the Storm Lake Cemetery in Storm Lake. Visitation will take place Wednesday, February 15, 2017 from 5-7:00 p.m. at Summit Evangelical Free Church in Alta. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Allan Richard Pedersen was born August 29, 1944 in Cherokee, Iowa, the son of Murray and Alta (Maust) Pedersen. He attended school at Fairview, and later graduated from Alta High School in 1962. On March 13, 1965, Al joined the United States Army. He served as Staff Sergeant in the 1st Air Calvary Company C of the 5 Battalion, 7th Brigade during the Vietnam War. Throughout his service, Al earned the awards of National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Al was honorably discharged on December 1, 1969. After his discharge, Al returned home to the family farm. He was united in marriage to Diane Nielsen on August 15, 1970 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Alta. The couple moved to their current farm where they began raising their three children: Lisa Marie, Ronald Jay, and Tyler James. Al was an active member of Summit Evangelical Free Church in Alta where he served as an Elder. He was also a member of the Alta VFW Post #6172. Farming was a passion of Al’s. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether it be fishing, boating, water skiing, or snow skiing. Most of all, he loved traveling with his wife, Diane and spending time with his children and grandchildren. The memories and love he shared will be remembered forever. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Diane Pedersen of Alta, Iowa; children: Lisa (Craig) Lewis of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; Ron (Kelli) Pedersen of Alta, Iowa; Tyler (Cara) Pedersen of Alta, Iowa; grandchildren: Ethan and Zackary Lewis; Kodey, Kash, and Kerrigan Pedersen; Parker, Brock, and Addison Pedersen; sisters: Kathleen Stoughton of Alta, Iowa; Nancy (Jerry) Andrews of Shafer, Minnesota; mother-in-law, Martha Nielsen of Alta, Iowa; brothers-in-law: Pete (Cindy) Nielsen of Alta, Iowa; and Rob (Jane) Nielsen of Alta, Iowa; extended family and friends. Al was preceded in death by his parents, Murray and Alta Pedersen; and father-in-law, Charles Nielsen.

Allan Pedersen

August 29, 1944 - February 12, 2017