On November 30, 2015, Lawrence Duhn ‘Pete’ Pedersen unexpectedly passed away at his home in Wolf Point, Mt. He was 54 years old.
He was born in Miles City, MT, on October 29, 1961, the first child of Gordon Pedersen and Susan Bracken. Lawrence spent his youth on a farm on Red Water Road outside of Wolf Point. As a young man, he enjoyed working on the farm, sports, and friends. One former teacher remembers Lawrence as an exceptionally bright and very athletic young man. During school, he was active in football and track, as well as FFA and student council. Lawrence graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1980.
He went on to attend Montana State University in Bozeman, MT, where he studied agriculture and spent time in the Army Reserve.
In 1982, Lawrence married Lori Rogers. Though it did not last, their union produced three children; Jeremy, Janii, and Jaymi. They were truly his pride and joy, and loved them more than life. His fondest times were being on the farm with his children and spending time with them boating, fishing, and swimming at Fort Peck. There were many summers spent at the ball fields, not only watching his children play baseball and softball, but playing himself in numerous tournaments with friends.
Anyone who knew Lawrence knew that he worked hard and played hard. No one worked as hard as he did, and was always on the go, from farming, to construction, to trucking, from Montana, to Nevada, to Arizona. When he wasn’t working or with his family, he was riding his motorcycle. A good friend said he lived his life at full volume, which is nothing but the truth. He did indeed live life to its fullest and did things his way. Lawrence was a friend to anyone and everyone.
Lawrence is preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Susan.
Lawrence is survived by his children: Jeremy (Kristine) Pedersen, Janii (Adam) Elsenpeter, and Jaymi (Dusty) Van Rooyen; beloved grandchildren, Carson and Olivia Van Rooyen, and Korbin and Quinn Elsenpeter, all of Billings MT. He is also survived by four brothers: Robert (Jodi) Pedersen of Plentywood, MT, Dustin Pedersen, John (Jennifer) Albertson, and Michael (Kandis) Albertson, all of Billings, and a sister, Jeri (Robert) Toavs, of Wolf Point. As well, Lawrence is survived by numerous extended family and friends across the country.
Steve Bushman says
My deepest sympathy for your loss. I had done alot of welding for him over the years and I am happy to say he is a friend
Darlyn Grainger says
So sorry for the loss of your beloved Dad and Grandpa
Laura Christoffersen says
So sorry for the loss of your brother. I remember Lawrence fondly from 4H trips to Bozeman when we would pick him up on the road south of Wolf Point.
Tony Sandau says
I am shocked by the news of Lawrence’s passing. I always picture him with that big grin on his face, the kind that says guess what I did. I will also remember him for his big heart. He genuinely cared for people. My condolences to his family. My prayers are with you Pete, Rest in Peace.
Linda Hansen says
Jeremy,Janii and Jaymi, so very sorry for the loss of your Father. I know he loved you with all his heart. May you find comfort from one another during your difficult time. May the Lord be with you.
Lance Johnson says
A close friend and like a brother to me. Countless hours of memories.
Laurie Stolen Suppes says
I am so sorry for your loss, you are all in my prayers. Lawrence always enjoyed life and that was a great thing about him. Just remember “Though gone from our sight, Loved Ones are never gone from our Hearts!”
Brand Hirsch says
So sorry to hear about Lawrence ‘ s passing. I meet lawerance while working for Oftedahl Constitution . Within a couple short day we became close friends. Lawerance taught to become a very competent scrapper hand, partly by explaining carefully, and partly by antagonism. I learned around lawerance, there was only one way to things, that was Lawerance’s way. He was a very driven, hard working and non apologetic character, as long as ya understood that Lawrence was a great person to be around. We will miss him dearly. I nick named Lawerance Maytag. The boy had an agitator that never stopped running. That’s one of the many reasons so many called Lawerance a friend, he always kept us on our toes.
Bruce Hoiland says
I had the pleasure of working with Lawrence at Oftedal Construction on several jobs. He always had a smile that was genuine. Later years I meet up with Lawrence when he had his own trucks on a job. When Lawrence saw me he pulled over and walked over to say Hello my friend. That is a true friend I will never forget. Lawrence will be missed.
Skin and Betty Collins says
We are so shocked at the loss of Lawrence. He was a good friend of our son, Don, and us. We just found out a few minutes ago. We live in Broadus and our son lives in Arizona. We also live in Pine Haven Wy. He has spent time in both places with us. My son just sent this memorial page to us. My husband and I just had breakfast with him in Billings the morning of Nov. 5th. and our son just talked to him last week on the phone he said. We send our love to all his kids and families. It is hard to lose a friend that was so young. My husband and son loved working with him. We will miss him. If anyone of his family feels like it my son would like a call from one of you. His phone # 307-660-0337. God Bless all of you. RIP Lawrence.
Dale Buckles & Yvonne Buckles says
RIP my friend… I was so sorry and shocked to hear of my friends passing. Our deepest sympathies go out to the entire family. Rest in Peace brother…