Marilyn Pedersen

Marilyn Pedersen, 76, passed away early Monday morning, February 1, 2016 at Kennybrook Village in Grimes. Marilyn was born in Malvern, IA on June 2, 1939 to Kenneth and Leona Henderson. She graduated from Malvern High School in 1957 where she was Homecoming Queen and first team all-conference in basketball. Marilyn then attended Simpson College where she was Home Economics Club Vice President, a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority, Who’s Who, Senior Class Vice President, and an Honors Graduate. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree, then attended Iowa State for her Master’s and was later Montessori certified. On December 29, 1963, Marilyn married Richard Dale Pedersen. She worked as a Home Economics and Science teacher until she and Dick started their family. Marilyn returned to teaching in 1982 and retired from Bergman Academy in 2012. She was an active member of Windsor Heights Lutheran Church, PEO Chapter HX, and Delta Delta Delta Alumni.

Marilyn is survived by her husband of 52 years, Dick Pedersen; children, Karla (Mike) Evans, Kara (Eddie) Olmstead, Richard Pedersen, Betsy (Brandon) Pratt; grandchildren, Luke, Benjamin, Elisabeth, Gabriella, and Jared Evans, Josiah Olmstead, and Henry and Harrison Pratt; siblings, Barbara DenHartog and Karen Wahle. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Richard Henderson.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 3, 2016 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, and the funeral service on Thursday, February 4 at 11:00 a.m. at Windsor Heights Lutheran Church, 1240 66th St. in Windsor Heights. Burial will be at Waukee Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Windsor Heights Lutheran Church or ChildServe. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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