Ronald Eugene Pederson, age 86, went home into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, May 23, 2026. 

Ronald was the firstborn son to Carl and Orva Lenora (Kolden) Pederson. He was born in Crookston and lived his whole life in Beltrami.

Ron went to the Beltrami school until 8th grade and then graduated high school in Fertile.

During his childhood he helped his parents and siblings on the farm until he started working at the McCray Mechanic shop at the age of 16, with his natural talent and intelligence, Ronald eventually bought the shop, and it became The Pederson Garage. He also farmed with his dad on the homestead.

On December 4, 1965, he married Emilie Stark and they shared their life together in Beltrami while raising three children.

Ron served on the Trinity Lutheran Church Board for many years and was the chief of the Beltrami voluntary fire department for some time.

He was someone who could fix anything. Even after he retired, he spent his free time working on projects and helping others with their machinery or vehicles. Ronald was known as an amazing teacher who had a passion for sharing his knowledge. He used his expertise to make things, like the wooden truck in his yard, that was loved by his grandchildren and is still used by other relatives. When he was younger, he also flew model airplanes often taking his children with him.

Ron is survived by his wife Emilie and their three children Eugene Pederson, Julie (David) Smith, and Daniel (Stacey) Pederson. His grandchildren Brooke Smith, Breanne (Joseph) Hudella, Bryn Smith and Braelyn Pederson and his great-grandchild who will arrive in mid-June. Also, his siblings Judy/Larry Bertelson, Silvia Hovland, Larry/Beverly Pederson, Cheryl Durdahl and Greg/Karla Pederson.

Family members who proceeded him in death are his parents and his grandson Kailer Pederson.

A funeral service honoring Ron's life will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Beltrami, MN, at 2:30 p.m. Visitation will be held prior to the service, starting at 1:00 p.m. Interment will immediately follow the service, at Fairview Cemetery.