Orfield Pederson

Orfield E. Pederson, age 90, resident of Lake Park, Minnesota, died Thursday, February 12, 2009 at Sunnyside Care Center of rural Lake Park.

Orfield “Orrie” Eliot Pederson was born February 19, 1918 to Christian and Bergeta (Nielson) in Audubon, MN. He grew up in rural Audubon and attended country school at Audubon # 121. Orfield farmed for a few years in the Audubon Township and in 1952 he moved to Auburn, Washington. He took a job working for Pacific Car and Foundry in Renton, Washington where he was a dedicated employee for 27 years. On August 15, 1958 he married Vera Blaker in Auburn. Orfield retired from Pacific Car and Foundry in 1980. Orrie and Vera moved back to Lake Park in June of 1983 and began to raise thoroughbred and draft horses.

Orrie loved to hunt and fish. While living in Auburn he often fished for salmon in the Pacific Ocean. He also enjoyed spending time ice fishing around the Lake Park and Audubon area. Orrie volunteered his time for many years at the Minnesota Steam Thrashers Reunion in Rollag, MN. He enjoyed sharing his love for horses and his knowledge of farm machinery.

Orfield will be remembered and missed by his wife of 50 years, Vera of Lake Park, along with three sisters, Doris Fisher of Auburn, WA, Mabel Peterson of Moorhead, MN and Solveig Bodin. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Winford; and three sisters, Ethel, Margaret and Alice.