Carl O. Pederson, Lutheran Pastor Noted For Character And Strong Faith

When he began building one of the first Lutheran churches in the Shoreline area, Dr. Carl O. Pederson rolled up his sleeves and went to work, pounding nails and ripping boards with the other workers.

After Bethel Lutheran Church of Shoreline was completed in 1950, Dr. Pederson began spending more time doing the things other pastors do - and then some.

Ringing doorbells in the neighborhood, Dr. Pederson visited stranger and parishioner alike for chats that were long on friendliness and short by the clock.

``He had the kind of personality that when he'd go out and visit people, you were glad he came,'' said Dela Van Hoy, a longtime parishioner.

His potato pancake get-togethers, held once a year at the church, drew a big crowd, even attracting those who weren't sure how they felt about the fried-potato concoctions.

Over the years, he drew many people into the church as well as into the ministry.

Dr. Pederson died Sunday at Northwest Hospital at age 90. His wife of 61 years, Jeanne L. Pederson, was by his side.

``He was a very special person to many people,'' said the Rev. Ray Lester, pastor of First Lutheran of Richmond Beach. ``His faith was always terribly important to him.''

Even in later years, in failing health, he would come to church in his wheelchair, taking communion in the pew. ``The church was his life,'' said Lester.

Dr. Pederson was born in Varmland, Sweden, in 1900. His family moved to the U.S. when he was 1 1/2 years old. He graduated from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., in 1929, and obtained his doctorate in 1942.

After serving in several parishes in Wisconsin, Dr. Pederson was called to start Bethel in Shoreline, where he served as pastor for 24 years.

His book, ``The Story of God's Kingdom,'' was used for many years as a confirmation study book in the American Lutheran Church.

Even after he retired in the mid-70s, Dr. Pederson continued visiting the sick and elderly confined to nursing homes and hospitals.

``He had a wonderful ministry to old people,'' Van Hoy recalled. ``He wouldn't overdo it. He'd come in and spend some time and that would be it.''

In addition to his wife, Dr. Pederson is survived by a brother, Theodore Pederson of Renton; a sister, Margie Gibson of Portland, Ore., and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was to be held today at First Lutheran Church of Richmond Beach, 18354 Eighth Ave. N.W. Funeral and burial will be on Saturday in Minneapolis.