Rachel Pederson Lottie

Rachel Jane Pederson Lottie passed away peacefully in her home on July 2, 2021 after a four-year battle with cancer. She was born on May 15, 1949 to Thomas and Geneva (Newman) Pederson in Jamestown, ND. She graduated from Jamestown High School, and then attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, graduating in 1971 with a degree in Elementary Education.

Rachel taught for 34 years at Rossman Elementary School in Detroit Lakes, primarily first grade (for many of those years, Rachel was Mrs. Ittner). She especially enjoyed teaching reading and writing, creatively incorporating birds, dogs, and other animals to add interest. In her bird unit, she challenged students to identify 100 bird species. She touched the lives of many children and was quick to recognize her former students often decades afterwards. She was excited and proud to have remembered teaching them. Rachel retired in 2006.

Rachel married Ray Lottie in 2011 and moved to rural Rollag, MN. She loved the quiet of country living and the opportunities to see wildlife and nature up close. She spent many relaxing hours on her porch swing, often with a cup of coffee or glass of wine.

Rachel was an adept and productive quilter and loved giving her beautiful creations to loved ones. She made many quilting friends along the way. Spending time with grandchildren, relatives, and friends was a top priority for Rachel. Every summer, she spent time at Round Lake with her siblings and other family members, often hosting grandkid meetings in her tent camper.

Rachel was warm, genuine, fun-loving, and spirited. She was optimistic and joyful and uplifted those around her, especially during challenging times.

Rachel’s faith in God sustained her during many difficult cancer treatments. She was grateful for the excellent care provided by the Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo. Her cancer team, headed by Dr Radhakrishna Vegunta, provided expert care that extended her life.

Rachel was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Geneva Pederson, her son, Luke Ittner and her brother-in-law David Biorn.

Rachel is survived by her husband Ray Lottie; her son Nathan Pederson and wife Carly (Cosgrove) Pederson, daughter Anna (Ittner) Schuld and husband Eric Schuld; stepdaughters Sara Lottie (Philip Bryson) and Anne Lottie (Greg Anderson); grandchildren Thomas and Katie Pederson, Lydia and Ella Schuld, and Oscar, Minnie and Violet Anderson; Rachel’s siblings Tom Pederson and wife Karen, Sarah Biorn, Mark Pederson, Kristin Johnson and husband Kent, Lisa Haakenstad and husband Matt; many nieces and nephews. Rachel also leaves behind her beloved dog, Dolly.

Memorial funds will be directed to supporting literacy and children in need.