Peder H. Korsmo

Peder Howard Korsmo was born January 21, 1922 in Northwood, ND, to Norin and Hilda (Hovland) Korsmo. He died at Northwood Deaconess Health Center where he'd been residing since August of 2012. His wife and family were gathered at his bedside. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 15, 2013 at 10:30am at Community Bible Church in Northwood, ND. A visitation will be held Sunday, July 14, 2013 from 4:00 to 6:00pm with a prayer service at 6:00pm at the church.

Peder grew up on the Korsmo homestead farm, attended school and graduated from Northwood High School. He later raised his own family on the same farm before moving back into Northwood in the 1980's.

On March 4, 1944, Peder married the love of his life, Beatrice Eleanor (Sherva), in Cedar Rapids Iowa, as Peder was attending Coe College. He was a top turret gunner on a B-24 and served in Italy during WWII.

After returning to Northwood, Peder worked on the farm for his father-in-law Bernard Sherva until 1959. In the early 60's, he began farming on his own, and went into business as a Standard Oil bulk service provider and then with Champlin under the name of Korsmo Oil. Peder was later in business with his sons as they together opened Korsmo Implement. He loved the land, and took pride in freshly mowed ditches, straight rows, a blooming potato field and wheat ready for harvest. In 1987, the year he was to retire, he had a farming accident and suffered the loss of his right hand. With tenacity, he learned to do things a new way, and continued to climb into a tractor and help his sons, well into his 80's.

Peder was on the Board for the International Coop, a potato Company, which later became Simplot. He was a member of the American Legion, served on the board at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, sang in the church choir and taught Sunday School for many years. In 1985, he went on a mission trip, delivering Bibles to China. He was currently a member of Community Bible Church in Northwood. Peder had the heart of an evangelist, and had a deep desire to share the gospel message. He often shared his testimony through his quartet singing, as the group would travel around the area and sing at churches. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren loved to sit at his side as he'd read the Christmas story or break forth into song. Peder loved every moment with his family.

He was noted for a sparkling, clean car, every hair in place, shiny shoes and impeccable dress. He lived by the mantra "If a job is worth doing, it's worth doing right."

Peder and Bea spent many winters in Arizona, enjoying family and friends. It was there, in his 80's that he revived his quartet singing, and continued to go to many concerts. Music was always a passion for Peder.

One of his recent cherished experiences was going on the "Honor Flight" to Washington, D.C. in 2009 with sons David and Steve, both Veterans. He was overwhelmed by the military honors and the fine care given to the WWII vets.

Peder is survived by his wife of 69 years, Beatrice; his four sons; David (Cheryl), Steven (Kris), Daniel (Jackie) Paul (Judy), all of Northwood, and his daughter Barbara (Mark) of Sioux Falls, SD; 13 grandchildren, Michelle, Stephanie, Stacie, Jason, Amy, Grant, Nathan, Jennifer, Melanie, John, Ryan, Adam, Rachel; and 21 great-grandchildren. Also surviving him are brothers Norin (Joan) Korsmo, and Richard (Dolores) Korsmo and sisters Valborg (Ingvald) Berdal and Lenore Meland and sisters-in-law Mary Korsmo, Delores Cabler, Janice Sherva, and brother-in-law Donald Sherva.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Great-granddaughter Addylyn Korsmo; brothers Alvin and Joseph; a sister, Solveig, brothers-in-law, Robert Sherva, Wesley Meland and James Cabler and sister-in-law, Ruth Sherva.

Peder's life verse was Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." God Bless his memory.