Russell B. Pedersen

Rock Rapids, Iowa

     Russell (Russ) Bob Pedersen, age 72, of Rock Rapids, IA passed away on June 28, 2024,
at his home after a four year battle with cancer.

     Memorial Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Rock Rapids, IA, with Father Sunny Dominic officiating.

     Private burial with family will take place in the Riverview Cemetery.

     Visitation will be Monday, July 1st from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. with family present at the Holy Name Catholic Church in Rock Rapids.  There will be a vigil service at 4:00 p.m.

     Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids is in charge of services.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Pedersen family for later designation towards the Lyon County Fair.

     Russell Bob Pedersen, the son of Roy and Florence (Claussen) Pedersen, was born on
June 16, 1952. He was raised on the family farm south of Rock Rapids and attended Central Lyon. After graduation in 1970, he enlisted in the National Guard and served seven years.
     
     On March 4, 1972, Russell married Margo Wagner at Holy Name Catholic Church. After marriage, they settled on an acreage south of town along the Rock River. They were blessed with three children: Damon, Tyler, and Brooke. Russell farmed his entire life, raising sheep, pigs, and cows; however, he took special pride in his herd of cows and calves. He had patience, but the mean cows only got two chances before they were quickly sold. His sweetcorn patch was one of his favorite things to talk about and share with anyone who would enjoy it. Russ made a significant impact on each of his children, instilling a strong work ethic while supporting them in all of their endeavors.
     
     Russ was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church. He served on the Farmers Elevator Coop board, the Cooperative Oil board, and the Rock River Golf & Country Club board. Throughout his life he participated in basketball, football, slow-pitch, golf and other activities and made many friends over the years. Russ and Margo enjoyed winter trips to California, especially when their children and grandchildren came to visit them. You could also find Russ and Margo attending many of their grandchildren’s activities. However, he was happiest just staying on the farm with his livestock. He took special pride when his children, son-in-law, and grandchildren helped along his side, sharing their love for farming, on his beloved farm. Special memories with family include taking his grandchildren along to the sale barn, deer hunting every December, a family trip to the Black Hills in 2021, and bonfires along the river.
     
     This past Friday, June 28, 2024, Russ passed away at his home. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Margo Pedersen of Rock Rapids, IA; three children, Damon (Jennifer) Pedersen and their children Elyse, Emma, Ethan, and Egan; Tyler (Terri) Pedersen and their children, Sophia, Josina, and Charlie; Brooke (Josh) Hunt and their children Addison and Sutton. He is also survived by his sisters, Cheryl Anderson of Phoenix, AZ and Kathy (Bill) Spyksma of Urbandale, IA; brother-in-law, Terry Peterson of West Point, NE; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

     Russ was preceded death by his parents Roy and Florence Pedersen, sister Rhonda Peterson, nephew Ross Peterson, and parents-in-law John and Ileen Wagner, and his stepfather Charlie Menage.
     Russ will be remembered for his witty sense of humor and huge heart.