David Dean Pedersen, a son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather and veteran, passed away at this home in Georgetown, Texas at the age of 77 on Friday, January 29, 2021.

David was born November 26, 1943 in Duluth, Minnesota to Reynold and Lucille (Bergquist) Pedersen. After graduating from Central High School (Superior, Wisconsin) in 1961, he attended Wisconsin State University – Superior where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts ('65) and participated in the university's ROTC program. Shortly after graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force and served as a weapons controller, ultimately promoting to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his military career, David earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs ('79), graduated from the U.S. Army's Command and General Staff College ('80) and earned numerous Joint Service Commendation and Meritorious Service Medals for his service. His early tours of duty began with missile defense assignments in Syracuse, NY, Germany and Korea. Later tours resulting from his promotions to leadership positions included the 780 ^th Air Defense Group (North Dakota), Tactical Air Control Center – US Support Activities Group (Thailand), Mt. Hebo Air Force Station (Oregon), Pacific Air Forces Air Defense (Hawaii), Headquarters Tactical Air Command (Virginia) and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (Colorado Springs, CO). He also experienced temporary duty assignments in the Philippines and at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. After retiring from the Air Force ('89), David worked as a technical writer for a small contracting firm, mostly with Hewlett Packard, before his final retirement and move from Colorado Springs, Colorado to Georgetown, Texas ('06).

Of all of his life's accomplishments and pursuits, his favorite was garnering the attention of an Army nurse while on orders in Germany. After a brief courtship and engagement, David united in marriage with Martha Palmer Wilson in Boston, Massachusetts ('69), creating an unbreakable partnership that successfully balanced careers, navigated parenthood and mastered marriage.  David was a devoted husband for more than 51 years, a loving, supportive father to two children and proud grandfather to three. He was most commonly described as possessing a gentle spirit and keen sense of humor, always demonstrating kindness to those whose lives he touched. In his professional life, he was a respected leader, heavy on humility but proud of his service to country. In his personal life he cherished his relationships, demonstrating love and care for his family, and loyalty and devotion to his friends. David was a member of Grace Episcopal Church, modeling his life, words and actions in accordance with his Christian faith. In retirement, he was an avid sports fan, reader and military history buff who enjoyed volunteering his time at The Caring Place assisting in their mission of providing basic human needs to members of the community.

David was preceded in death by his parents Reynold and Lucille, as well as his brother Larry and sister Judith Lindahl. He is survived by his wife, Martha of Georgetown, Texas; daughter Holly VanGundy, her husband Jason and grandchildren Kylie, Noah and Sydney of Wentzville, Missouri; son Matthew and his wife Melanie (Riemer) of Fort Worth, Texas; and brothers Dennis (Sylvia) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Terry (Margaret) of Greensboro, Georgia and Alan (Lucy) of St. Augustine, Florida.

David's wishes were to be cremated and his remains will be interred during a private ceremony in Lowell, Massachusetts at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you donate to The Caring Place (Georgetown) or to a charity of your choice.