It is so hard to put words on the notion that Jon passed so suddetly. Thinking we were going to see him at the reunion, it is especially diffficult to undestand. It shows how much we are in control! Jon was so clever, so smart and so much fun. Those of you that attend his funeral will be glad to be present, singing his spirit onward! Bless his family. Bless his memory!
Inline Image Not Displayed
Photo received from Jon in April when I told him that I remember telling him that he looked like a Beatle in high school. He said it was the result of some bad home barbering!
Lonnie and I wanted to include Jon Pete's favorite hymn in Sunday's service. Although he had indicated that his health was such that he would not be emailing, he responded to our Caring Bridge post with an email, saying that he had many favorites but "How Great Thou Art" was his choice. We will sing it with gusto and compassion on Sunday, the 27th, as we remember a life well lived. Thank you, Mark Olson, for the beautiful tribute to Pete's care of your mother. I will be among those singing at his funeral next week, certainly an unexpected opportunity to express my love and respect for a 54-year friend. Rana
Including "How Great Thou Art" as a tribute to Jon at the Sunday church service is a wonderful idea. I will be singing at Jon's funeral also. Participating in Jon's funeral as a member of the choir is truly an honor.
Jon and I met for coffee in Minneapolis about 5 years ago. At that time, he shared with me that he had been making numerous trips to various international sites to provide eye care for those in great need. I admired him before knowing that about him but especially so after hearing of his great love for the people he helped. He used his expertise and skill to literally transform lives of others. What a gift to the world he was!
Several of us AA alums attended the funeral of Jon Pederson today. It was humbling to hear about his life and achievements -- a life well lived and one of service to others. Jon's children gave moving tributes, as did John Bacon. Jon's passing is a real loss to his family, his patients and our class.
Jon's funeral service, which he had planned, was so meaningful. All four of his children participated--Julie, Lisa and Mark with special music and reflections and scripture reading by David. In all of the reflections Jon's children focused on his love of family, strong faith, adventurous spirit and his advice. One of his most important pieces of advice was to enjoy the journey to whatever goal his children were aspiring to. He also emphasized to them that parking lots can be the most dangerous places in which to drive. Jon Bacon read Jon's biography and added some humor to the biography which was definitely appreciated. At least nine of Jon's classmates were a part of the 20+ member choir (directed by Mark Madson) singing "Beautiful Savior,"Jon's favorite song. Jon's wife, Kathy, and one of his daughters sang the solo. There were many teary eyes in the choir and congregation after we finished that song. I for one felt the spirit of Augustana Academy and classmates surrounding Jon's funeral. 50 years have not diminished that feeling. And as the pastor delivering the meditation emphasized, "Life would not make sense if God didn't exist."
Jon's funeral was such an inspiring occasion and one not ever to be forgotten. To me it seemed to have an overriding aura of joy and, in some ways, almost felt like the beginning of our reunion. To observe the deep love and respect with which his family honored his unique relationships with each of them was truly moving. Their amazing composure reflected the peace that clearly pervaded their journey together through Jon's brief illness and colored their grief with hope even as they tenderly mourned his passing. No one present could help but admire his many significant accomplishments and the purposeful character with which Jon lived his life. The choir of nearly 30 singers that came together after Jon and Kathy's initial inquiry, seemingly out of nowhere and surprisingly well balanced, sang with sincerety, compassion and beautiful expression. Jon's wife Kathy, with wonderful support from their daughter Julie, accomplished the unthinkable by singing the solo verse in Beautiful Savior with great dignity and poise. I was genuinely grateful to everyone who participated and especially thankful for the generous response from members of our class who came, some from long distances, to attend the funeral and sing with the choir. The expressions on your faces from my vantage point was priceless. It was an honor to share in this privileged way of sharing our love and paying our respects to our dear classmate. My wife, Anna, said it may have been the most meaningful funeral she has ever attended. She said she left feeling not sad but uplifted! Now we all look forward to our next encounter with our brother Jon ... Soon and Very Soon!
The above classmates and attendees at the funeral have done an excellent job of expressing the content and feelings of the funeral event. While I know that the attendance of so many friends and relatives was important to the family, it was also important for all of us in attendance to participate in this sharing of loss, the joyful memories and participation in the life and death of our friend, Jon.
I know that Jon would have enjoyed the event, been moved by the speeches, and touched by the presence of the many attendees. It was clear from the conversations and speeches by those present, that Jon clearly made a positive difference to many people, through his medical practice, his contributions (time and talents), and his joyful celebration of life. His strong and abiding faith was obvious throughout the event - in speeches, song, conversations and family witness.
Jon planned his funeral and chose this for the scripture on the back of the bulletin:
"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." 2 Timothy 4: 6-8.
Love filled the church: among his family, including his 92-year-old mother, Margaret, who will be celebrating her 75th AA reunion; his patients; his AA roommate, Jon Bacon, who was a pallbearer and read his biography; and among all of us, Jon's classmates. There were 10 of us who sang: Jim Gisselquist, Paul Larsen, Dave Melby, Jerry Johnson, Louise Asper Johnson, Ellie Watland, Becky Lee Hirdman, Jon Bacon, Esther Stene Krueger, and I, under Mark's superb direction. Kathy asked that we create a space for Jon, which we did between the first tenors and baritones.
Still a very handsome dude, the photo on the front of the bulletin showed our friend with that unforgettable youthful face and Beatles hair, though with just the right amount of grey. See you soon, Jon. Rana
Lonnie Ellison (Simonson)
It is so hard to put words on the notion that Jon passed so suddetly. Thinking we were going to see him at the reunion, it is especially diffficult to undestand. It shows how much we are in control! Jon was so clever, so smart and so much fun. Those of you that attend his funeral will be glad to be present, singing his spirit onward! Bless his family. Bless his memory!
Inline Image Not Displayed
Photo received from Jon in April when I told him that I remember telling him that he looked like a Beatle in high school. He said it was the result of some bad home barbering!
Rana Limbo
Lonnie and I wanted to include Jon Pete's favorite hymn in Sunday's service. Although he had indicated that his health was such that he would not be emailing, he responded to our Caring Bridge post with an email, saying that he had many favorites but "How Great Thou Art" was his choice. We will sing it with gusto and compassion on Sunday, the 27th, as we remember a life well lived. Thank you, Mark Olson, for the beautiful tribute to Pete's care of your mother. I will be among those singing at his funeral next week, certainly an unexpected opportunity to express my love and respect for a 54-year friend. Rana
Esther Stene (Krueger)
Including "How Great Thou Art" as a tribute to Jon at the Sunday church service is a wonderful idea. I will be singing at Jon's funeral also. Participating in Jon's funeral as a member of the choir is truly an honor.
Louise Lommen (Evenson)
Jon and I met for coffee in Minneapolis about 5 years ago. At that time, he shared with me that he had been making numerous trips to various international sites to provide eye care for those in great need. I admired him before knowing that about him but especially so after hearing of his great love for the people he helped. He used his expertise and skill to literally transform lives of others. What a gift to the world he was!
Ellie Watland
Several of us AA alums attended the funeral of Jon Pederson today. It was humbling to hear about his life and achievements -- a life well lived and one of service to others. Jon's children gave moving tributes, as did John Bacon. Jon's passing is a real loss to his family, his patients and our class.
Esther Stene (Krueger)
Jon's funeral service, which he had planned, was so meaningful. All four of his children participated--Julie, Lisa and Mark with special music and reflections and scripture reading by David. In all of the reflections Jon's children focused on his love of family, strong faith, adventurous spirit and his advice. One of his most important pieces of advice was to enjoy the journey to whatever goal his children were aspiring to. He also emphasized to them that parking lots can be the most dangerous places in which to drive. Jon Bacon read Jon's biography and added some humor to the biography which was definitely appreciated. At least nine of Jon's classmates were a part of the 20+ member choir (directed by Mark Madson) singing "Beautiful Savior,"Jon's favorite song. Jon's wife, Kathy, and one of his daughters sang the solo. There were many teary eyes in the choir and congregation after we finished that song. I for one felt the spirit of Augustana Academy and classmates surrounding Jon's funeral. 50 years have not diminished that feeling. And as the pastor delivering the meditation emphasized, "Life would not make sense if God didn't exist."
Mark Madson
Jon's funeral was such an inspiring occasion and one not ever to be forgotten. To me it seemed to have an overriding aura of joy and, in some ways, almost felt like the beginning of our reunion. To observe the deep love and respect with which his family honored his unique relationships with each of them was truly moving. Their amazing composure reflected the peace that clearly pervaded their journey together through Jon's brief illness and colored their grief with hope even as they tenderly mourned his passing. No one present could help but admire his many significant accomplishments and the purposeful character with which Jon lived his life. The choir of nearly 30 singers that came together after Jon and Kathy's initial inquiry, seemingly out of nowhere and surprisingly well balanced, sang with sincerety, compassion and beautiful expression. Jon's wife Kathy, with wonderful support from their daughter Julie, accomplished the unthinkable by singing the solo verse in Beautiful Savior with great dignity and poise. I was genuinely grateful to everyone who participated and especially thankful for the generous response from members of our class who came, some from long distances, to attend the funeral and sing with the choir. The expressions on your faces from my vantage point was priceless. It was an honor to share in this privileged way of sharing our love and paying our respects to our dear classmate. My wife, Anna, said it may have been the most meaningful funeral she has ever attended. She said she left feeling not sad but uplifted! Now we all look forward to our next encounter with our brother Jon ... Soon and Very Soon!
Jim Gisselquist
The above classmates and attendees at the funeral have done an excellent job of expressing the content and feelings of the funeral event. While I know that the attendance of so many friends and relatives was important to the family, it was also important for all of us in attendance to participate in this sharing of loss, the joyful memories and participation in the life and death of our friend, Jon.
I know that Jon would have enjoyed the event, been moved by the speeches, and touched by the presence of the many attendees. It was clear from the conversations and speeches by those present, that Jon clearly made a positive difference to many people, through his medical practice, his contributions (time and talents), and his joyful celebration of life. His strong and abiding faith was obvious throughout the event - in speeches, song, conversations and family witness.
Jon, you will be missed, but not forgotten.
Rana Limbo
Dear Classmates,
Jon planned his funeral and chose this for the scripture on the back of the bulletin:
"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." 2 Timothy 4: 6-8.
Love filled the church: among his family, including his 92-year-old mother, Margaret, who will be celebrating her 75th AA reunion; his patients; his AA roommate, Jon Bacon, who was a pallbearer and read his biography; and among all of us, Jon's classmates. There were 10 of us who sang: Jim Gisselquist, Paul Larsen, Dave Melby, Jerry Johnson, Louise Asper Johnson, Ellie Watland, Becky Lee Hirdman, Jon Bacon, Esther Stene Krueger, and I, under Mark's superb direction. Kathy asked that we create a space for Jon, which we did between the first tenors and baritones.
Still a very handsome dude, the photo on the front of the bulletin showed our friend with that unforgettable youthful face and Beatles hair, though with just the right amount of grey. See you soon, Jon. Rana