Calmar C. Pederson, age 92, resident of rural Lakota, ND, died Saturday, March 28, 2009 at his home near Lakota.

Calmar Conrad Pederson was born December 21, 1916 in Hope Township of Ramsey County, the son of John and Anna (Mikkelson) Pederson. He was the first baby delivered by Dr. Engesather. He moved at a young age with his parents to what is the current Pederson family farmstead near Lakota. He was raised on the farm and attended the Cleveland School. Calmar was drafted into the U.S. Army on February 20, 1942 at Ft. Snelling, MN. He served overseas during World War II. Calmar recalled that they had to travel 30 days in a large wooden boat in order to get to North Africa. He served in North Africa, Sicily, Naples, Foggia, Rome, Arno, Rhineland and Southern France; which is where he was serving on D-Day. Calmar was honorably discharged as a Sergeant on June 26, 1945. Calmar farmed all of his life with his brothers on the family homestead. He was a member of the Eagles Club, VFW and the Royal O. Gray American Legion Post #61 of Brocket. He enjoyed farming, fishing, and hunting.

Calmar will be missed by his brother, Norman (Susie) Pederson of Lakota; 2 sisters, Helen Bolstad of Puyallup, WA, and Marian (James) Miller of Brocket, ND; and also several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 3 brothers, Erling, Perry, and Joseph.

Calmar's Funeral Service will be held at the Lakota Lutheran Church of Lakota, ND, on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be the Reverend Joel Westby. The organist will be Karen Fowler. Interment will be in the spring at the Hoff Cemetery, rural Brocket, ND. Casketbearers will be Randy Miller, Alan Miller, Cory Kleven, Ryan Kleven, Mark Gisvold, Bruce Anderson, Morris Bolstad, and Melvin Bolstad. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 beginning at 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and will continue at the church on Wednesday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.