RICHARD (RICK) PAUL PEDERSON

Richard Paul Pederson Rick Pederson, born July 7, 1949, passed away December 3, 2016 at Vibra Hospital after a long hospitalization. Rick was adopted and loved by his parents, R. Paul and Frances Pederson. He grew up in Hope, North Dakota and graduated from Hope High School. While he was attending the University of North Dakota, he married Betty Jean Rickard in 1968. After graduating in 1971, Rick joined the Army and was stationed in Germany for 2 years, where they had a chance to do some traveling in Europe. He and his family spent most of their years in the Hope and Page area, where he was an officer at First State Bank of Hope and later President of Page State Bank. During this time, he served on the Legislative Board of the North Dakota Bankers’ Association and participated in the Independent Community Banks of North Dakota. He was proud of being a third generation banker. He especially liked helping his customers when they were in need. Rick was very involved in his community, elected Mayor of Page for 25 years. Rick was baptized and confirmed into St. Agatha’s Catholic Church. Faith was always an important part of his life. When he moved to Fargo, because of health problems, he joined Holy Cross Catholic Church. He had many interests and hobbies which included hunting, fishing, golf, darts and leisure time at the lake near Detroit Lakes. Rick especially loved the Fighting Sioux and watched their hockey team play whenever possible. He belonged to many organizations including The Elks, American Legion and Shriners. He loved being a Jester. Rick loved to travel and dance while he could . He was very proud of his four daughters and their families. Rick loved to talk with friends about his children and grandchildren’s accomplishments. He is survived by his wife, Betty; 4 daughters, Jennifer (Keith) Koenig, Page, ND, Heather (Shawn) Erickson, Colgate, ND, Carrie (Lance) Morgan, Burnsville, MN and Katie Peterson, Fargo, ND; 11 grandchildren, Madison, Mackenize, Mikayla, Landon, Rebecca, Rachel, Timothy, Thomas, Zachary, Isaac; and Philip; brother, Ron Pederson, Sacramento, CA; brother-in-law Dennis (Iva) Rickard, West Fargo, ND; and mother and father-in-law, Mildred and James Rickard, Fargo, ND. He is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. Visitation will be Friday, December 9, 2016 from 9:30 till 11:00 am in St. Agatha’s Catholic Church, Hope, ND. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am.