Gary J Pederson

Gary J. Pederson, son of Orval and Norma Pederson, was born April 9, 1948, in Plentywood. He passed away Friday, April 24, 2015, peacefully at his home in Billings with his family nearby.

Growing up, he enjoyed band, choir, basketball and baseball. Graduating in 1966, he went to Rocky Mountain College, where he played basketball, baseball, and, in 1970, got his degree in biology and education. In December of that year, he married his college sweetheart, Nancy Hougaard. His girls, Kristi and Holli, and their families were the most important things in his life. His teaching career began and ended in Laurel, spanning 31 years. Kids were very important to him, as evident in his time in the classroom, refereeing boys' and girls' basketball and driving school bus. His summers throughout the years were spent working at Camp on the Boulder, playing fast pitch softball, teaching Driver's Ed, and driving bus for fire crews.

His passion was classic cars, specifically Fords. Special to him were the vehicles that belonged to his family. He spent many hours tinkering on and restoring them, attending car shows, and driving with the car clubs to various places.

He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughters, Kristi (Ryan) Tieszen, Holli (Mike) Sannon; four grandchildren, Sterling Sannon, Matthew, Morgan and Grace Tieszen; siblings: Jim, Kelly, Jill (Wayne) Everson, and Randy (Kate); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Friday, May 1, at Faith Chapel. Memorials may be made to Faith Chapel Camp Fund, RiverStone Hospice or charity of one's choice.