Thomas Pederson

Thomas Pederson, 85, of Westby, died December 9, 2018. Thomas "Tom" Gene Pederson, age 85, died Sunday, December 9, 2018. Tom was born in La Crosse, WI on April 15, 1933 to Raymond and Velma (Hagen) Pederson. The family operated a root beer stand in Beaver Dam, WI and then moved to La Crosse before his freshman year in High School. After graduation from La Crosse Central High School, he spent one year working on the Hagen farm in Westby. He then served in the US Army from 1953 1955, with most of his time stationed in Japan, as a part of the 7th Cavalry Regiment. Following his military service, he attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a BS degree in Agriculture. He married Sonja (Knutson) Pederson on September 6, 1956. They began their farming career in Delavan, WI, then moved to Westby in 1971, purchasing the Hagen family farm. In addition to raising three children on the family dairy farm, Tom found great enjoyment traveling out west. He especially treasured reconnecting and visiting with former Army buddies, particularly his friend Wayne (Wilma) Vietz in North Dakota. Sonja died in 2006, shortly after celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. After a few years, Tom found love again and married Virginia Peterson on March 12, 2012. He shared with her a love of horses, traveling, bird-watching, flowers and most importantly, laughter. Tom was a kind, generous soul, and will be missed by all who knew him. Tom is survived by his wife, Virginia; his children Martha (Pete) Huser, Stephen Pederson, and Kurt (Sarah) Pederson; grandchildren Paul Lippert, Carl Lippert, Paige Pederson, Stephanie (Marcus) Walters, and Ethan Pederson; sister Margaret Hodgson; sisters-in-law Kay Knutson and Marianne (Michael) Myhre; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He is also survived by his step children Richard (Candy) Peterson, Larry (Rita) Peterson, Jenney Anderson and their extended families. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Sonja; his in-laws Earl C. and Marie S. Knutson; his siblings Gary Pederson, Richard Pederson and his wife Betty; his brothers-in-law Ned (Margaret) Hodgson, Richard Knutson and his wife Marge; and his granddaughter Alexa Pederson. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, December 17, 2018 from 11am till 12:45pm at the Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby. Pastor Dennis Johnson will officiate a prayer service that will be held at 12:45pm with Military Honors to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to www.freedomhonorflight.org/donate. Online Condolences may be offered at www.VossFH.com. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.