Dennis James Pedersen

Dennis James Pedersen, age 60, of Baltic, died on Sunday, August 3, 2008 at his home. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, August 7, 2008 at Baltic Lutheran Church. Visitation with the family present will be from 6-8:00 P.M. Wednesday at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Baltic.

Dennis was born September 9, 1947 in Ringsted, IA to William and Ione Pedersen. He graduated from Ringsted High School in May of 1965 and attended a junior college in Esterville, IA. He then went to work at Arts Way in Armstrong, IA. Then he worked as a fish salesperson and finally took on training in truck driving.

Dennis met Deb Rautenkranz and they were married January 1, 1978. They lived in numerous places, such as California, Iowa and South Dakota finally settling down in Baltic, SD where they raised their family and several foster children.

He worked at B & G Transportation for 22 years. Dennis enjoyed flying his Cessna 182, playing poker, boating, fishing, hunting, being a political debater, and watching and listening to the news. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, Deb and family, especially his grandchildren.

Survivors include his mother, Ione Pedersen, in Esterville, IA; wife, Deb Pedersen, Baltic; children: Aaron Anderson (Randie), Sioux Falls, Michelle (Pooya) Behbood, Orlando, FL, Krista (Chris Schoffelman) Pedersen, Baltic, Leah (Mike Burzlaff) Pedersen, Brookings, SD, Stacy (Dan Reiter) Kraft, Sioux Falls; grandchildren: Andrew, Haleigh, Grayson, Hannah, Ashlee, Andy and Allison; sister, Donna (Don) Brobst, Mountain Home, AR; brothers: Ken (Betty) Pedersen, Growry, IA, Gerald (Kathy) Pedersen, Las Vegas, NV and Ron (Julie) Pedersen, Ringsted, IA; brother-in-law, Dan (Darlene) Rautenkranz, Reading, MN; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, William Pedersen; father-in-law, Elmer “Bud” Rautenkranz and mother-in-law, Margie Rautenkranz.