On the morning of February 18, 2019, a great man went to heaven. Russell Duane Pederson was born on January 13, 1961 in Glendive, Montana to Gwynn and Roland Pederson. He always said that he was born in Glendive and three days later they took him home and started feeding him.
Russell was larger than life and anyone he ever met, would never forget him. He worked hard and played hard. He will always be remembered for his honesty and integrity. He was a kind caring man who loved to tell a good story. His sense of humor was contagious. He was a man of great faith and was not afraid to tell anyone about God’s grace.
On October 7, 2001 Russell and his son Roland married Paula Dunham and her sons Travis, Jason, and Kramer. Russell’s family was his pride and joy. He was especially proud of all of his boys.
Russell was many things: pilot, farmer, auctioneer, real estate broker, insurance agent, teacher, and Santa Claus, which he considered his most rewarding job.
Russell developed his salesmanship abilities and his love for flying at a young age. As a boy he would line up all his possessions to sell to his brother and sister. He had an innate, almost magical ability to make you want an item even more than you realized. During these same years Russell, was his father’s constant flying companion and was given the controls, soloing at age 12. He was a natural at both and they became the leading forces in his life.
Russell’s first job was stacking bales. In the 8th grade he was a strapping 6’1” and 180 lbs. Initially he did not show any interest in sports. However, his junior year he started wrestling in the heavyweight division and was a Divisional Champion his Senior year.
Russell was a licensed pilot before graduating from High School. His Uncle Wally brought him under his wing into the spraying business. Wallis was not just his uncle, he was a sincere friend and mentor. They shared a relationship rivaled only by father and son. He was known to land on water and fly under power lines. By far, his favorite trick was buzzing anyone he knew whenever and wherever his plane crossed their path. He never tired of that boyish thrill. More than half of McCone County can attest to this.
After he sold his spraying business, he focused on selling real estate and conducting auctions. As his physical health declined, he had to give up doing auctions, but was still able to pass on his vast knowledge of real estate as his son Jason joined the company to work with him. Russell had an incredible memory and more importantly, the ability to connect with people. Everyone was his friend.
Russell had adversity in his life. He was challenged by a battle with cancer and later suffered a stroke. Through it all, he never lost his positive spirit or sense of humor and always had a good story for whomever would come to visit him.
Russell was preceded in death by his grandparents, Marguerite and Elmer Buell, Margaret and Andree Pederson and his Uncle Jerome Pederson and Aunts Gloria Larson and Gail Anderson. He is survived by his wife Paula and his sons Travis (Kelcy) Dunham, Jason Dunham, and Kramer Dunham and Roland Pederson; His parents Gwynn Pederson and Roland (Mari) Pederson, his sister Merri (Roy) Clifton, and brothers Guy and Garrett (Amy); Aunts and uncles, numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, many other family members, and many many friends.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 22, 2019 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Circle. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the Assembly of God Church in Circle. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday February 22, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Circle , Montana 59215
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday February 23, 2019
Assembly of God Church
Circle, Montana 59215
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Frank Wright says
Paula and boys, Russell was a dear friend, our heart aches for you! Rest assured he is sitting with the lord
Vicki McLean says
To the Pederson family; I am so sorry to hear Russell’s passing. Russell and I met many years ago. I hold find memories of him from being the gift he was right along with him always being kind & a gentleman!!! May you find some confront in the Lord’s word, and Please know he is with you through all of this ! You are in my heart , prayers, and thoughts. Peace be with you!
Vicki McLean says
Pederson family, I am so sorry to hear of Russell’s passing. I met Russell many years ago. He was a great person, a gift , protector, and a gentleman. He always made me laugh. Oh some of the stories & memories I have of him. There really are no words during this time is someone’s life to make you feel comfront, peace, and at ease. Know your all in my heart, thoughts ,& most of all my prayers. I send love and blessings to all of you. Peace
Steve Krutzfeldt says
Paula, Travis, Jason, Kramer, and Roland,
May the Lord keep you during this time. I drove many, many miles with Russell over the years and shared many conversations. He was always guided by a higher purpose as a husband, father, and lin his work. He was a strong Believer and though laid low the past years his spiritual strength never wavered despite his physical conditions. Right until our last conversation we shared a laugh. I will miss him. Kind regards. Steve
Debra Sorensen M. Kraenzel says
Dear Paula and boys,
I am heartbroken to read of Russells’ death. He treated his friends as family and to be a part of his family is special. God bless you and yours with strength to live each day knowing Russell is now and forever your gaurdian angel.
Jo Rowland says
Paula, Travis, Jason, Kramer and Roland , so sorry to learn of your father’s passing. Even though I didn’t know Russell that well, I know of the fantastic family he left behind and the effort he put into raising them!
Denise (Strand) Stambaugh says
Oh my! Russell was always a friend. He will be greatly missed. May comfort be felt knowing Russell had so many friends and was loved by many. Prayers to the entire Pederson family! Xoxoxo’s.
Nancy Scheer says
Happy, fun memories of Russell. Godspeed, my Friend
Judy Hastetter Walter says
Paula and boys…..
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Nancy Scheer says
Happy, fun memories of Russell. Godspeed, my friend.
Angie Smith says
Praying for you and the boys.
Love,
John, Angie, Adam and Payton
Aaron Morlock says
My dear Pederson family-
I am shocked and saddened to learn of this news. I will never forget the time we all spent together and what a kind and loving man Russel was. Russel was a friend and a mentor to me and I will never forgot him.
Our camping trip out to the mountains remains one of my most Cherished memories.
I am living in the black hills of South Dakota now, if any of you need to get away from it all for a time you have a home here. Please reach out to me if I can help in any way.
Sending my love and prayers for comfort
Sher Schmidt says
I first met Russel as his babysitter, to say the least he challenged my skills. I watched him go through some rough years but he emerged from that time a man of such beautiful faith. I will miss seeing him and know everyone who knew him feels the say way. My sympathy to all of his family.
Jackie Boysun says
Paula and family my condolences to you in the loss of Russell. He was truly one of God’s servants. He touched many lives with his humor, kindness, and generosity. Find comfort in your memories and your faith. Grant and Jackie Boysun
Elaina Zempel says
We remember Russell taking off from the Circle airport with a full load of spray. The plane seemed to struggle with the load and made extra noise at 5:00 in the morning! We swear we could hear Russell laugh as he flew over the top of our trailer. We have many fun memories. Our hearts hurt for all of his family.
Orlen and Elaina Zempel
Jessica Bradley says
To all of Russell’s family:
I am so sorry for your loss. Russell was a great person, who’d presence in our little community will be greatly missed! I always loved running into him as he was always up for a good visit. May God’s peace be with you all at this difficult time.
Terry Jackson says
I am so sad to hear of Russell’s passing, he was such a kind and gentle soul who truly cared for the people he knew and helped, I owe him so much for all his help in getting my place back, he will be so missed by so many.. My condolences to his family and friends.. RIP Russell
Scott, Mistica, & Jorja Hisdahl says
To all of the Russell Pederson Family,
We will miss Russell and all of who he was. He was fun, crazy at times, loving, caring, supportive, humorous, serious, hardworking, and a great friend. He always had others in thoughts and we witnessed his many giving ways through his years. He will truly be missed but his legacy will never die. He has such a huge part of our history and will never be forgotten. Let God wrap his loving and healing arms around you all as we celebrate this wonderful man and know that he will be missed but not forgotten. Love to you all
Anita Wheatley says
Pederson Family,
Our thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort go out for you. Russell was a great friend and he will be missed. God Bless you.
Steve and Anita Wheatley
Harvey & Trudy Kirkegard says
To Russell’s Family,
Our sincere sympathy and condolences to all of Russell’s family. He was such a loving guy and will be greatly missed by many. I can’t ever remember a time when he didn’t make us laugh. God Bless you all, and keep your memories of Russell close to your heart!
Julie Scheitlin Thorpe says
My favorite memories of Russell are of him sitting at our kitchen table talking to my dad. Their laughter would shake the whole house. Russell was so special to us and his kindness during my dad’s illness will never be forgotten. May God be with all of you as you deal with this loss. His pain is gone now and he is seeing the Glory of God in person. Heaven will forever be blessed with him there!!
Merri Soholt says
I met Russell in the hospital in Circle when i worked there. He was a joy to take care of. He will be missed by many. Prayer for his family.
Julie and Butch Krutzfeldt says
We were so sad to hear about Russell. He was definitely a “one of a kind” person who truly loved people. Our son chose Russell to be a godfather to Grace. We all valued his deep love for the Lord. We will miss Russell. Our deepest sympathy for the entire family. Sincerely, Julie and Butch
David Waters says
Perhaps at the funeral a short film of Russell blowing up a junk JD combine with I believe 5lbs of outdated explosives could be shown. That might sum up some of his appetite for adventure. Yes the statute of limitations is up over 2 decades ago. We wrung out an airplane one day and did some interesting things and he said he had looped de looped the giant power lines there outside of circle before. I said lets do it. Russell said he did not know with two people our weight on board but I had no doubt he could pull it off. This had to be in the 80s. It seems one time we decided to have beer milkshakes at the corner bar but they had no blender. No problem. Beer floats. We used up an entire new gallon or 5 qt. pail of ice cream then had to go back to straight beer. When Russell married Sheriff Paula I told him you would have been much safer had you married her 10 years earlier. RIP Russell and I will see you when I get there.
Debbie (Bond) Wagner says
Our sincere sympathy and condolences to all of Russell’s family. He was such a vibrant and wonderful person and touched everyone in our family. Mom & Dad so enjoyed his calls and visits to Missoula, and we were so touched to have him as part of Dad’s memorial service in 2017. He always made us laugh and feel so special. God’s blessings to all of you…keep your memories of Russell close to your hearts! From the Dale & Ruth Bond family
Paula Kurkowski says
Although he was too young to leave us, he will be welcomed in heaven by many, my father (Merrill Pearcy) included. My father greatly admired Russell and considered him a dear friend. I always knew when Russell visited the hangar there would be tall tales told. There was always a lot of laughter and grinning when the two of them were together, but I also know they had a lot of heart to heart discussions about the serious stuff too. I am sorry I was never fortunate enough to meet the rest of the family, but please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dennis Broadbrooks says
I only knew Russell for the last 20 years, but he always treated me as i was a lifelong friend. You never knew where you might see Russell, but it was always a fun visit! Sorry to Russell’s family for your loss.
Scott Herring says
Russell was a great man. I enjoyed years of working with him. Good natured, honest and always tried to see the best in everyone. I have a lot of positive memories of him. I cannot comprehend the loss to Paula or his kids. I will miss him as a business associate and a friend. God bless.
Marilyn Pettit says
Russell will be missed my many. I have such fond memories of him and he really made an impact on my two oldest kids. I remember he took my son Scott, my husband Bill and myself up in his airplane and scared me silly. He just giggled and said, “Oh Marilyn, you are doing fine!” Heaven will be quite a bit more interesting with him there. Our condolences to his family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Russell, tell Leo hi when you get there!
Dan & Glenda Anderson says
Glenda and I always enjoyed every moment we ever spent with Russell. He always had an outlook on the day and life that was positive and sprinkled with humor, He has been a part of our lives for over 40 years and his passing will leave a void in our lives. But, we will cherish our memories of him and know that God is now enjoying his company and humor,
Ellen Hart says
I am so very sorry for your loss!
Ron and Lisa Goodman says
My fondest memory of Russell was when my second son, Ryan, was born. Russell came over just to hold the baby. And hold him he did! Many times. He brought me chocolates just for being the mama. I think those babies in heaven are going to be getting a lot of holding!! Thank you, Russell for sharing life with us the 4 years we lived in Circle. You made a great decision marrying Paula and fathering all 4 of your sons. You were a man of God. We love and respect you and our hearts grieve for your family.
Peggy Iba says
I had such a delightful visit with Russell 2/14. He had such a memory and concern for others. He asked about Melva who used to babysit him and we both marveled that she had passed 12 years ago exactly that day. Flying stories and fishing stories continued over ice cream. I was headed to FL. He told of convincing a bi- plane pilot in Key West to let him fly his plane. After impressive tricks and landing, the pilot offered Russell a job. So surprised to hear in FL about Russell passing. Thankful and blessed I got that visit.
Ken & BONNIE Nelson says
Paula and family. So very sorry for your loss, Russel was was a great man and will be missed by many.
Julianne Harris says
I am so sorry for your loss. The Word says that to absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Russell is in the presence of pure love right now. I don’t say this to minimize the pain and loss you feel. I say this in hopes of comfort in the fact that we will see Russell again. I imagine him telling stories and having a ball right now with no physical limitations. Russell was always a welcome sight to our family. His visits were filled mostly with laughter and a sincerity for whomever he was talking to. He will always hold a special place in my family’s heart and we look forward to seeing him again. I pray for comfort and peace for you all as you grieve.
Larry Witt says
Russell was truly a great person. Russell always had a positive attitude and a cheerful disposition. His faith and integrity will be remembered by all who knew him. I feel blessed to have known him and have worked with him.
Rest in peace dear friend.
Hogan Family says
Paula and family,we extend our deepest sympathy to you during this time. Our prayers and blessing are with you all.
Calvin Hogan & Family says
Paula and family,we extend our deepest sympathy to you during this time. Our prayers and blessing are with you all.
susan duzik says
Prayers up for the family>> I will NEVER forget you, Russell, I love & miss you dearly.
Daniel Nefzger says
Russell Pederson Family, May you feel the loving arms of Jesus surround you. Russell is in Heaven with the Lord Jesus.
Pat Anderson says
Paula and boys, our prayers and love are with you at this hard time. May God give you His peace and comfort as you look forward to the wonderful reunion with Russell in Heaven!
Lovingly,
Bob & Pat Anderson
Michele Mickolio says
God bless and keep you. Prayers of Pease for you. He was a special friend to many! Cherish your memories.
Vickie Garpestad Bigelow says
To the family and friends of Russell, may you find peace and solace in the fond memories of a fine man.
Karen & Dennis Wolff says
Our thoughts and prayers are for your comfort and peace as we reflect on Russell and the Pederson and Buell families, early memories of Russell, and recent life events. God bless you with his peace.
Rachael Derry says
Dear Paula and Family, my prayers and sympathy for you and the family. Losing Russell is a great loss.
Larry French says
RIP Russell.
Nora J Ellsworth (Wagner) says
Paula and boys,
I am so sorry to hear about Russell. It hurt my heart to hear that he had passed. Russell was such a wonderful person. He was so friendly, warm and positive. He was always willing to stop and talk. He will be missed. Sending prayers to you and your entire family.
Cindy Stanton says
To Russell’s family,
You don’t need me to tell you what a great guy Russell is. Anyone who knew him already knows. No one who ever met him could surely never forget him. I have fond memories of him from back in the “wild” days til up in the days of him volunteering at the nursing home. There was never a time tho that Russell wasn’t kind and gentlemanly. A true gem and now a true angel. He will be greatly missed.
Jim Gordon says
Russell’s family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Russell’s passing. Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Jim and Joey Gordon
Goodale Family says
Our condolences to the Family of Russell. We always enjoyed our conversations with Russell and will miss him. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.