Hjalmer Pederson Jr.

Hjalmer Pederson Jr., 86, of Hatton, ND passed away Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at Northwood Deaconess Health Center in Northwood. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Hatton. A visitation will be held Friday, November 15, 2019 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. with a 5:00 p.m. prayer service at the church.    

Hjalmer E. Pederson Jr. was born September 27, 1933 in Northwood, ND to Hjalmer and Ethel (Amundson) Pederson. Jr. was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church. He graduated from Hatton High School in 1952. On December 21, 1952, Jr. married Geraldine Thompson at St. John Lutheran Church in Hatton. He went into business with his dad selling John Deere equipment in Hatton and Power Equipment in Northwood with his brother Ron, and later in Larimore. 

Jr. retired in 1993 at the age of 60. During his retirement, he enjoyed going to casinos, sporting events, and in the winter, plowing snow in most driveways around town. He came to be known as the “snow angel.”

Jr. and Jerry were avid sports fans. Together they enjoyed going to all the games played by son, David, and later their grandchildren. He was particularly fond of the Hatton Flyers, the HN Thunder, and the Boston Celtics. Jr. was proud to be named “Fan of the Year” in 1986-1987 and held a lifetime pass to all Hatton School events.

He is survived by his daughters: Ronda (Keith) Hanson; Julie (Arden) Lillemoen; son, David (Nancy) Pederson; eleven grandchildren: Heather Hanson, Angela (Terry) Haugen, Kristen Hanson, Amanda (Adam) Thorsgard, Brady Hanson, Riley (Stephanie) Lillemoen, Ashley (Ryan) Peterson, Joelle Lillemoen, Kyle (Jennifer) Pederson, Jace Pederson, and Rachel Pederson; thirteen great-grandchildren: Katelyn, Jaylee and Hailey Milligan; Gracie, Natalie, Isaac and Sadie Thorsgard; Keagan, Westin and Dakota Peterson; Brody and Tenley Lillemoen; and Ryan Haugen.

He was preceded in death by wife, Jerry; his parents, Hjalmer and Ethel; brother, Ronald; and grandson, Ryan Hanson.