Dean Thomas Pederson, 64, of Beaumont, TX, formerly of Echo, MN passed away tragically as the result of a car accident on July 24, 2019. Private family burial will be in the Echo Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will take place Saturday, August 24, 2019 at the Echo Community Center from 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. with remarks at 2:00 p.m. The Sunset Funeral & Cremation Association is caring for the family.
Dean Thomas Pederson, 64, of Beaumont, TX, formally of Echo, MN passed away tragically as a result of a car accident while visiting MN, on July 24, 2019.
Dean was born on February 21, 1955 in Echo to Dick and Marian (Taylor) Pederson. He was baptized in the Christian faith at Rock Valle Lutheran Church in rural Echo and was confirmed at American Lutheran Church in Echo. Dean attended school in Echo, graduating in 1973. He went on to complete 2 years at Willmar Jr. College in Willmar, MN, and finished his college education with a BS in Education from Moorhead State University in Moorhead, MN.
During his school days in Echo, Dean (aka Fox) was a standout athlete, participating in Track, Football, Baseball and Basketball. He was a proud member of the MN High School League 1000 Point Club, achieving this his senior year. He went on to play college basketball at Willmar Jr. College. Dean was part of a close knit group of softball players in Echo, playing many years with the Echo City team.
In 1984 Dean was united in marriage to Jone Theobald. He was employed by the Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative of Renville, MN, and then with the Farmer’s Co-op Oil Company of Echo. He was a volunteer firefighter for Echo for over 10 years.
Dean relocated to Beaumont, TX and married Lisa Sheard in 2002.
After moving to Texas, Dean and his wife Lisa owned and operated Lisa’s Little Folks School in Beaumont, TX for over 17 years before their recent retirement.
Dean is survived by his wife Lisa Renee Pederson of Beaumont, TX, daughters Tara Nolan (Shane), Tori Sheard, Kelly Schodjt (Jeff), Kristy Theobald-Carlson (Neal) and son Joshua Theobald (Jeanne) and by grandchildren Dustin, Brandon, Anthony , Connor (Kelly), Moira (Kristy), Hannah, Ethan, Chloe (Joshua) , Tavo and Luca (Tara) and great grandson Aiden (Dustin).
Dean is also survived by his brother David (Karen) Echo, MN, and sisters Penny and Patti Pederson, Eden Prairie, MN, along with Niece Jennifer (Matt) Schneringer, Adam, Kate and Caleb and Nephew/Godson Scott (Natalie) Pederson, Sydney, Mallory and Aubrey; numerous Aunts, Uncles and cousins as well as a host of friends near and far.
Dean was preceded in death by his mother Marian (1978) and father Dick (2012).
Dean loved his family. He thoroughly enjoyed being a dad and especially being a Grandpa (Poppy) and Great-Grandpa. Spending time with them was a way of life. He loved sports. Dean took pride in being one of the few fans in the stands cheering on the MN Twins when they played the Houston Astros. Dean loved spending summer days with his Wife Lisa, floating in the pool, listening to classic rock and sipping on a cold Diet Pepsi. He was a good man with a heart of gold. Dean will be missed dearly. “Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
