Andrew J. Pedersen
October 6, 1947 ~ August 6, 2017
Andrew J. Pedersen, 69, passed away Sunday evening, August 6th, 2017, at Essentia Health, Fargo, ND from cancer, surrounded by family and his best friend, Roland.
Andy was born on October 6, 1947, on a farm near Harvey, ND to Vigo E. and Mary M. (Thomas) Pedersen. He was the fourth of seven children. The family moved to Fargo in November of 1953. Andy graduated from Central High in 1965. His first job was at K-Mart Foods in 1964. He traveled South Dakota, Minnesota and North Dakota for over thirty years selling after-market automotive accessories. He currently worked at Luther Family Buick - GMC. Andy had a strong work ethic and believed in treating people fairly and with respect.
Andy and Deb Arends eloped in Watertown, SD on June 30th, 1979. They had just celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary. They raised their three children: Brenna, Brooke and Joe in Fargo.
Andy loved the state of North Dakota. He especially loved The Badlands and our “Ranchers” where he went on many successful mule deer hunts with family. Andy enjoyed muskie fishing and detailing cars. He loved going to all the car shows with his buddy, Roland and seeing all the '70's cars. Andy was a huge fan of the Vikings, Twins, Bison and NASCAR. Andy made great meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy. He loved cooking for his family. Andy loved being “Papa” to his granddaughter and best friend, Paige; he loved tickling, coloring, reading and just snuggling with her in his big chair.
Andy is survived by his wife, Deb; daughter Brenna ( Nick) Wasche, GA, daughter Brooke, Fargo and son Joe, Fargo. He is survived by three grandchildren; Paige Pedersen and Lily and Quinn Wasche. He is survived by his siblings; Linda (Ron) Johnson, Watertown, SD, Elaine Pedersen, Fargo, Vigo (Jan) Pedersen, West Fargo. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Dick Gutknecht and several nieces and nephews and his critters Leo, Kota and Phillip.
Andy was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Evelyn Guktnecht, Bernie Lavin and Pam Fowler.
Andy requested that everyone come casually dressed – “Jeans and a polo shirt are just fine with me.”
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Oh my andy you will be missed and all those rides in your corvette when growing up you always made me laugh with your supet since of humor god bless you in heaven
I am so sorry. Prayers to all the families.
I LOVE YOU, Dad!!! I MISS YOU SO MUCH ALREADY. You were AN AWESOME dad and an even BETTER Papa to my daughter!!! Please watch over us and give us signs when you are near our side! Paige LOVES YOU ALWAYS. I LOVE YOU!!! Have fun up there!
Did not know Andy, but loved his sister, Bernie Lavin ( Welu), my sister-in-law. With such a great sister, Andy must have been a great guy, as his nephew Wayne will testify to. RIP.
Few times in our life does a truly good friend come to us–The Lord blessed me with Andy Pedersen! We have been friends for the past 53 years and I am eternally grateful for have been given the privilege of knowing this wonderful man. I pray for nothing but the best to his wonderful family–His beautiful wife Deb, his awesome kids and his sweet little granddaughter, Page. I love you Andy Pedersen!
Thank you, Andy, for being such a good friend and neighbor. Jim, Nick, Laura and I will miss you very much. Our neighborhood will not be the same without you.
Andy you were not only my brother but my best friend! You will be greatly missed by Ron and I and our family! I CHERISH all the memories we had together, the long talks we used to have together when you traveled on the road. We sit up until 1 or 2 in the morning just visiting and drinking coffee. The baseball games when the boys were playing ball. They were so proud to have their UNCLE there watching them!. When I was upset you always had a calming effect on me and were willing to listen and settle me down! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH !!!!!! I will look out for Deb and your Family and be there for them. Someday we will all be together again!
I am so sorry for your loss! You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Andy Pedersen,
As a relative,friend,co-worker and as a sales mentor to me, will be greatly missed by many people. He loved & enjoyed his family more than life itself. He enjoyed hunting, He liked Uncle Mike Thomas’s deer sausage.He enjoyed traveling the open roads selling automotive & truck accessories. He always listened to what you had to say & joked around with the ones he knew.I will always remember the time we went pheasant hunting as a company to Iowa.He had a gift of make people feel welcomed.He always displayed having a great attitude about life. I will miss you my friend!
To: The Pedersen Family, Our Hearts Go Out To You In Your Time Of Sorrow. God Bless You All. In The Name Of God – Our Prayers Go Out To You & Your Families. Amen !!!
I’ve missed you for the past several years, I miss you now and I will continue to miss you everyday moving forward. I will hold all my great memories close to my heart forever! Love you so much
Your smile and conversation will be missed, Andy! It was a pleasure working with you!
– Kari
I’m so sorry for your loss . I can tell by the obituary what a fine man he was and well-loved . My heart and prayers go out to your whole family . May God Bless and comfort all of you . Know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many people who care about you . Linda , know that you are loved .
God saw that he was getting tired and the cure was not to be.
So He put His arms around him and whispered “Come with me.”
With tearful eyes we watched him suffer and fade away.
Although we loved him dearly we could not make him stay.
A Golden heart stopped beating.
Hard working hands to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.
Andrew, you are the love of my life…Always!
Dad you will be greatly missed. Thank you for everything you have done and taught us. Until we see you again enjoy yourself, and watch over us. Guide us if you need to. I love and miss you always.
It is still very hard to hear or share a memory of you without rolling tears down my cheeks and shutting down. In the future I want to be able to have that joy while talking about one of the greatest humans I have ever known. But today, I will hold all of our happiest memories deep in my heart and keep moving forward. Time does not heal the heart. It does not ease the pain. Time teaches us to accept life without you. God needed you long before we wanted to let you go. I know you are watching over Paige and Deklynn. I know you are holding Mom’s hand during the times she needs you the most. I know you have her back and her heart. I know you are with Joey at times too. So many wonderful things I had yet to share with you. I hope one day I don’t feel so cheated by life without you. We all love you so much. And miss you even more. Thank you for being the best influence to all of us. — Brooke Derek Paige and Deklynn xoxoxoxo ♥️
You never said a word, just went downstairs and brought up all the boxes I needed. Best birthday present ever! Having a tough day today…