Gail Dean Pedersen

Gail Dean Pedersen, 79 of Missoula passed
away at home in the company of family, after a long
battle with multiple myeloma cancer.
He was born to Einar and Mabel Pedersen in
Hettinger, ND. At age 2 his family moved to a farm in
Lewistown, MT, the family grew to a total six children
they spent approximately 12 years there until they
moved to Missoula, MT. His family went thru trying
times; their mother battled cancer for many years
and died very young.
He worked at The Palace Hotel 25
years-started as a teenager and became The
Manager and a Boiler Engineer. He graduated from
Missoula County High School. He served in the National Guard for 9
years. He then went on to spend 30+ years as owner
of a Family Rental Business. He was also a member
of the East Missoula Lions Club. Late in life he spent
10 years working for Saint Paul Lutheran Church
(member for many years) and said “This was the best
position I’ve ever had, I love it here” as a Custodian
and Maintenance professional.
During his time at the Palace Hotel, he met and
married his first wife Sharon Kraft on April 4th, 1962
and they divorced 8 years later. Of this union three
children were born; Rich, Ken and Betty.
He then married his current wife Mardell
Johnson on May 8, 1972 and they had two children
born of this marriage Jennifer and Jason. Married “45
years” this year!
Survivors include his wife Mardell. Sons: Rich
(Cheryl) Pedersen, Ken Pedersen and Jason
(Mishawn) Pedersen. Daughters: Betty (Walt)
Wheeler and Jennifer Pedersen (Butch Childress)
Brothers: Delmer (Kathy) Pedersen and Erwin
Pedersen. Sisters: Verna (Jack) Riley and Arlene
(Steve) Westphal and Seven grandchildren and Nine
great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his Parents: Einar and
Mabel Pedersen, Brother: Kent Pedersen and
Grandson: Justin Pedersen
A Memorial Service will be at Saint Paul Lutheran
Church at 202 Brooks, September 30th at 2pm;
Pastor Chris Flohr will be Officiating, reception will
follow. In lieu of flowers please send contributions to Saint Paul Lutheran Church.
Condolences for Gail’s family may be left at www.sunsetfuneralhomecemetery.com