Allen Pederson, 73, passed away Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at Ava's House in Sioux Falls, SD.  Visitation will be held from 3:00-5:00 PM on Saturday, October 24 at Wass Funeral Home in Beresford, SD.  Allen's family asks family and friends to wear masks.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Ava's House in Sioux Falls or to a charity of your choice.

Allen was born May 30, 1947 in Starbuck, MN to Arnold and Aloris (Estenson) Pederson.  He graduated from Cyrus high school in 1965.  He enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served 10 years of active duty. In 1976, he met Jane.  They married in December of 1977 and he became a father to Billie that day.  The family moved with the Navy to Hawaii and in 1978, Jenny was born.  They returned to California where Allen worked for many years for the City of Los Angeles, Department of Water & Power.  He retired in 2002.

Following retirement, Allen and Jane moved to Beresford, SD.  Allen had longed to return to the country and to his roots.  He enjoyed his farmer lifestyle.  He grew and sold hay and restored antique gas pumps.  He volunteered at the Senior Center, enjoyed crossword puzzles, coffee time and keeping an eye on the news.  He was an active grandpa to his grandkids.  He devoted much time to them and looked forward to their visits to SD, playing games with them and was an excellent source of encouragement and advice as they grew into adults.  Allen was much loved by everyone.  He will be dearly missed.

Allen is survived by his wife, Jane; 2 daughters, Billie (Robert) Kenessey, Coeur d'Alene, ID and Jenny Pederson, Santa Clarita, CA; 2 grandchildren, Sierra (Luke) Thomas, Nashville, TN and Jake Reuben, Cedar City, UT; brother-in-law, Bart Phelps, Elk Point, SD; 2 nephews, Matthew (Sarah) Dosdall, Elk Point, SD and Justin (Monique) Dosdall, Stillwater, MN; niece, Melanie (Mark) Freiermuth, Oakdale, MN; and many great-nieces and nephews.  He was also blessed with his aunt, uncle and cousins; all of Jane's family back in CA; and his beloved cat, Boogie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Aloris Pederson; his sister, Ann Phelps; and his nephew, Nathan Dosdall.