Donald Duane Pederson Sr., 83
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Donald Duane Pederson Sr., 83, of Osburn, Idaho, passed away on September 25, 2018 at Kootenai Health in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. Donald was born May 27, 1935 in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho; he was the son of Ole and Mildred (Bailey) Pederson.
Donald grew up in Coeur d’ Alene and graduated from Coeur d’ Alene High School. Following high school, Donald attended and graduated from North Idaho College where he studied and obtained his degree in the forestry program.
Donald married Terry “from Brooklyn” on March 18, 1995. He has four wonderful children from a previous marriage and welcomed two wonderful step-sons as his own when he married Terry.
Donald was a native of North Idaho. Although he grew up in Coeur d’ Alene, he became a resident of the Silver Valley over 50 years ago.
Donald was a hard working and brave soul. After graduating from North Idaho College, he enlisted in the Marine Corp and served for 3 years. He then dedicated his life to the forest service, at the Shoshone Work Center, as a Fire Control and Blister/Rust Leader for over 30 years. During his time in the forest service, Donald was called on to fight fires, on the fire line, all over the western side of the United States including: Washington, Idaho, Oregon , Utah, California, and Arizona. Following his retirement from the forest service, Donald briefly worked as a school bus driver and then drove for Building Maintenance. He then worked for Dave Smith Motors as a courtesy driver.
Donald was a man of faith and a proud member of the Cornerstone Church of Osburn, Idaho. He was previously a member of the Grace Church of Osburn, Idaho. Donald was also a member of the Coeur d’ Alene Elks #1254.
Donald enjoyed hunting for Elk and fishing on the Coeur d’ Alene River. He enjoyed camping out of his camper and traveling while he was able to do so. Donald was also a great bowler and was known for being a “300 guy”.
Donald is survived by his wife, Terry Pederson; his children: Leny (Barbara) Pederson of Kingston, Idaho, Debbie Pederson of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, Denise Nix of Texas, and Donald (Beth) Pederson Jr. of Rathdrum, Idaho; two stepchildren: Steven Grimke of Santee, California, and Ralph (Olivia) Grimke of Riverside, California; his brother Gary (Sandy) Pederson of Tacoma, Washington; three sisters: Claudia (John) Augustason of San Clemente, California, Donna Novoryta of Sadalia, Colorado, and Barbara (Bob Holland) Watkins of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho; as well as many numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Donald was preceded in death by his sister, Frankie Masterson, and his parents, Ole and Mildred.
A Celebration of Donald’s life will be held at the Cornerstone Christian Fellowship at 106 S. 4th Street, in Osburn, Idaho, on October 13, 2018 at 1:00 p.m.
One may sign Donald’s online guest book at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com.
SHOSHONE FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORY of Kellogg, Idaho is entrusted with cremation services.