Ernest Pedersen, 87, Battle Lake, MN

Ernest Frederick Pedersen, 87, of Battle Lake, died Jan. 3, 2008, at the Battle Lake Good Samaritan Center.

Ernie was born on Jan. 20, 1920, in Norwegian Hospital in Brooklyn, N.Y., the middle son of three born to Einar and Therese Pedersen. He graduated from Port Richmond High School in Staten Island, N.Y., and immediately joined the Navy, making it his career.

Ernie was a Pearl Harbor survivor and also served in the Korean Theater. He was an instructor at and became the Supervisor of the Naval Air Training Center in Memphis, Tenn.

On Aug. 18, 1946, he married Ruth Juliet Skjefte on the Albert Stevens Farm near Lorne.

Ending his military career in 1959, Ernie and Ruth returned to Minneapolis, where Ernie graduated with honors from the University of Minnesota with a degree in public administration and finance. He was employed by the IRS until his retirement in 1983. An ardent learner, Ernie never stopped studying. Just weeks before his death, Ernie was enrolled in an additional computer class.

A drummer since the age of 9, Ernie enjoyed a long musical career including the Zuhrah Shrine Band, Jolly Nobles band, and various jazz and concert bands near their homes in Minneapolis, Texas and Arizona.

Ernie was a 3rd Degree Master Mason and recognized for 50 years of membership by the Grand Lodge of Minnesota. Ruth and Ernie were also longtime members of Sons of Norway and enjoyed lodge activities wherever they lived.

Ruth and Ernie loved to travel and saw much of the world during their 61 years together. They especially enjoyed visiting their family areas in Norway on a number of occasions. They were also well-known for their productive space gardens and lovely landscaping efforts.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Ruth; sisters-in-law, Thelma Pedersen of Franklin, Tenn., and Mildred Washburn of Granite Falls; brothers-in-law, Galen (Bonnie) and Willard (Mona) of Granite Falls; and nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Norman and Roy Pedersen.

A memorial service was held Jan. 11 at Washburn McReavy Eden Prairie Chapel, followed by burial in Fort Snelling National Cemetery.