JOHN PEDERSEN

John Pedersen, 61, died very suddenly in Palmer on Sept. 5, 2003.

Mr. Pedersen was born April 18, 1942, in Ontario, Canada. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1968. He was employed by Reeve Aleutian Airways since 1969, until the company's' closing in 1999. He was also employed by Nugget Aviation in Palmer.

He loved to golf, fish and travel, and he had a special way with animals. His family wrote, "He was the most wonderful, loving and caring husband. He was an absolute gem of a father."

Mr. Pedersen was preceded in death by his parents Rosemarie Pedersen of London, Ontario, and Peder A. Pedersen of Odense, Denmark. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Kath of Palmer, and his dog Pearly. He is also survived by his daughter Kirsten of Wasilla, and son John and wife Bridgett, of Palmer, who are expecting their first baby in March.

Arrangements were made by Kehl's Funeral Home and Crematory in Palmer.

A Requiem Mass was held Sept.10 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Father Kaspar Mallavarapu officiating. Internment was at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Wasilla.