Geneva Pederson

Geneva Newman Pederson Carroll - mother, wife, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt - died Sunday, March 18 at Essentia-St. Mary's Health in Detroit Lakes, MN after a short illness. She was surrounded by her family. We have lost the irreplaceable center of our family and the joyous light in our lives. Geneva Newman was born in Fort Dodge, IA on October 25, 1919 to Theodore and Irene (Bodell) Newman. She is a graduate of Fort Dodge High School and Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, where she met her husband, Dr. Thomas Pederson. They were married for 42 years until her beloved husband died in 1984. They lived for 23 years in Jamestown, ND and for 11 years in Fargo, ND where Thomas practiced internal medicine. Geneva married Norman Carroll in 1989. They lived in Sun Lakes, AZ and at their summer home at Round Lake north of Detroit Lakes. In 2010, Geneva moved to Detroit Lakes, where she resided at The Madison until her death. Geneva was a uniquely easygoing individual who adored her family and friends. Her wonderful sense of humor and ability to laugh at herself were especially endearing. She was outgoing, talkative and friendly to everyone she met whenever she encountered them. Geneva had an amazing memory for events, names, and phone numbers. She retained a lifelong interest in current events and politics. Her cell phone in later years was her lifeline. She especially loved spending time with her family at the cabin on Round Lake. She enjoyed traveling and was a talented cook and decorator who loved to entertain. She took pride in her appearance and was in tune to fashion and detail. Her collections were a particular source of enjoyment. She was a member of P.E.O. and Questers Antique Club. Geneva's deep and abiding faith sustained her throughout her life. She loved the Lord and gathered strength and peace through that relationship. She was a Bethel Bible Instructor, church member and volunteer wherever she lived. Geneva is survived by her husband: Norman Carroll of Arlington, TX, six children, Thomas Pederson (Karen) of Eau Claire, WI,; Sarah Biorn (David) of Sioux City, IA; Mark Pederson of Burlingame, CA.; Rachel Pederson Lottie (Ray) of Rollag, MN.; Kristin Johnson (Kent) of Detroit Lakes, MN,; Lisa Haakenstad (Matt) of Minnetonka, MN; and three stepchildren, Skip, Jim and Lynn. Grandchildren Heidi, Michael, Alyssa, Matthew, Rebecca, Nathan, Anna, Elisabeth, Emma, Molly, Mark and Annie, and four step grandchildren. Great grandchildren Maria, Joseph, Daniel, Khaya, Matthew, Sonia, Thomas, Katherine, Tashata, Lydia and Samuel, two great step grandchildren. Geneva was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings (Katherine and Theodore), her husband (Thomas), and a grandson, Luke Ittner. The family extends special thanks to the staff at St. Mary's ICU and the staff at the Madison for their compassionate care of our mother. We would like memorials to go to St. Mary's Foundation or the organization of your choice. Visitation: Thursday, March 22, 2012 from 5 PM to 7 PM at the David-Donehower Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes, MN. Funeral: Friday, March 23, 2012, at 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church, Detroit Lakes, MN. with a lunch to follow. Burial: Immediately following lunch at Riverside Cemetery, Fargo, N.D.

Funeral Home: David Donehower Funeral Home 609 Hwy 10 East Detroit Lakes, MN US 56501

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Previous Events

Visitation
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Service
Friday, March 23, 2012
cemetery
Friday, March 23, 2012

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