Henry L. Pederson

Henry L. Pederson, 85, of Batavia, IL., passed away on Friday, July 31, 2020 at Franciscan Court in West Chicago, IL.  Henry was born on October 12, 1934 in Superior, WI, the son of Henry and Bernice Pederson.  Henry was united in marriage to Marlene Johnson on June 30, 1954 in Superior, WI.

Those who knew Henry likely remember Hank as a bit of an eccentric travelling the streets of looking for “treasure” in his old truck and wearing his crooked hat that seemed to defy gravity. Much to his wife Marlene’s dismay, he wasn’t above a dumpster dive when the pickings were good. However, his appearance belied his success and intellect, and that’s how he preferred it. Many joked he spent more money on duct tape than he did on clothing. 

Henry and Marlene came from Superior, Wisconsin to “Chicago” (everywhere in Illinois is considered Chicago to the folks in Superior) with big dreams and big plans. After his enlistment in the Navy ended in 1959 he hit the ground running and made those dreams a reality through constant, relentless effort and hard work. He had a gift for seeing the promise of a “deal” well before most people could. He was right much more often than he was wrong. 

He wasn’t an affectionate man and sometimes, depending on his mood, plain old hard to be around. But in his own way, he loved and valued those he called his friends and family. He helped out those who needed it, whether with a trademark “Hank push” in the right direction or with some financial assistance.  He instilled in his children a strong work ethic and the knowledge that with hard work comes success. Nothing is free and everything worth having is worth working hard for. They are profoundly grateful for that gift.

Henry is survived by his three children; Steve (Anna) Pederson, Sharon Pederson and Karen (Bob) Gifford, two grandchildren; Olivia Gifford and Cameron Gifford, his brother; Nels (Barb) Pederson, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of sixty-four years, Marlene Pederson, and one brother, Rodney Pederson.

A celebration of life gathering will be held from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at Moss Family Funeral Home, 209 S. Batavia Ave. Batavia, Il. 60510.  Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in his name may be made to: Franciscan Court Supportive Living, West Chicago, IL or Harbor Light Hospice, Winfield, IL. Both were extremely caring and helpful in the final chapter of Henry’s life and his family is profoundly grateful to them.