Joan Annebelle Pederson, age 94, of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away Sunday, August 17, 2025, with family by her side at Grand Village, Grand Rapids, MN.

Joan was born June 9, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois. She spent time in the care of her beloved Aunt Florence, who loved her dearly. As a child she endured a long stay in the hospital due to rheumatic fever and leakage of the heart. Yet through those early hardships, Joan developed the determination, strength and compassion that would define her life.

As a young woman, she worked hard, whether it was taking tickets at the local movie theater or serving as a phone operator. As she matured professionally, she brought beauty and care to others as a licensed beautician, even opening her own shop in Minneapolis.

In 1949, Joan married Leon, the love of her life. Together they walked through joys and trials hand in hand for 50 years, including the heartbreaking passing of their first child, a baby girl, and hardships like a devastating fire and tornado that destroyed their home. But through it all, Joan's greatest strength was her faith and love for her family. She and Leon raised three wonderful boys; Dale, Gary and Scot, building a home that was filled with love, laughter, and perseverance.

In 1987, Joan and Leon moved to Grand Rapids, settling near Crooked Lake next to their son Gary. Joan brought many gifts into the world, sharing her love of crocheting, sewing, quilting, knitting, fishing, and even jam making.  She donated afghan blankets to nursing homes, visited residents to read to them, and offered warmth and comfort wherever she could.

Joan also had a spirit of adventure. Along with moving over 30 times in her life, she also loved to travel, seeing Europe, the Caribbean, and much of the United States. But more than all her talents and accomplishments, Joan's faith defined her. She loved teaching Bible school and Bible study and lived her life as an example of Christ's love. Joan's journey on earth was not always easy, but it was always filled with purpose. She faced trials with courage, shared her gifts generously, and gave her love freely. Her life was a testament to resilience, faith, and service.

She was preceded in death by her parents Oliver and Frances (Reed) Abrahamson; husband Leon Pederson; daughter Joy Pederson; son Gary Pederson; brother Ronald Abrahamson (passed in the Korean War); sisters Renee Ecker and Nonna Anderson. Joan is survived by brothers John Abrahamson and Robert Abrahamson; sons Dale Pederson and Scot Pederson; grandchildren David (Amanda) Pederson, Angela (Joe) Dietrich, Kelly (Andrew) Whitters, Jacob Pederson (and family), and Lily Love; great grandchildren Dillon Dorholt, Sierra (Kyle) Woodward, Dominic, Bryce & Ella Pederson, Sophia Whitters.

A visitation will be held Friday, August 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Rowe Funeral Home in Grand Rapids, MN with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM. Hospice Chaplain Richie Danielson will officiate. Burial will be at Itasca Calvary Cemetery, Grand Rapids, MN.