Donald John Pederson

We celebrate the life of Donald John Pederson who passed away on July 23, 2023. Son of Arnie Oliver Pederson and Margaret Mary Mrenca, he was born February 12, 1938 in Hastings Minnesota. Don met Karyn Marie Franzmeier the love of his life in kindergarten and was married October 21, 1961 for 62 years and was the loving father of two daughters, Beth and Bryn. He graduated from Hastings High school in 1956 and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1960 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and served in the Air National Guard from 1955-1961.
Don was known as hard working, intelligent and dedicated and spent his 60 year career with Hercules and it’s spin off companies. With 14 moves across the US and abroad, Don worked on many notable projects during his tenure including the space shuttle, his work with graphite fiber in many things used today including golf clubs and in the Voyager aircraft, the plane built with graphite that made an unprecedented aviation feat to fly around the world with a single mission: fly around the world non stop and non refueled. The plane is now hanging in the Smithsonian National Air and Space museum in DC. He also worked with Schell in the Netherlands and developed a polymer with Pininfarina that would be used in formula race car after Niki Lauda’s terrible crash that would better protect future drivers. He continued his R&D career with Fibervisions where he returned back to Georgia in 1994 to develop absorbent fibers.
As the son of a carpenter and a skilled craftsman, Don adored spending time in his workshop. He loved his boats and cars, among his favorites Mercedes, Jag and Porche. He also loved to golf and so enjoyed the outings he had with business associates, friends and his nephews. Don was a loving and caring man who truly cherished and dedicated his life to his family.
Preceded in death by his beloved wife Karyn, his mother Margaret, his father Arnie, Sister Patricia Fox and brother in law Knob fox, sister in law Yvonne, brother in law Wesley, nieces and nephews John Fox, Michael Brill and Maureen Momsen. He is survived by his two children, Beth and Bryn (Patrick McCall), nieces and nephews, William (Cynthia) Momsen, Beverly (Bob) Brocklehurst, Bonnie Brill (Mike), Bradley Momsen, Brian (Janelle) Momsen, Pam Fox (Paul Tisdale), Cindy (Kevin) Moline, Jeff (Paula) Fox, Debbie (Reid) Seipp, Tammy (John) Bacon, Jimmy Fox, Mary Fox Schaefer and his beloved furry companions, Kyrina, Gigi and especially Johnny, forever faithful puppy love and protector.
And many, many cherished friends and extended family…
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the ministry of caring, ASPCA, Red Cross or other favorite charity of your choice, Don was a hero supporter to them all.

Donald Pederson Celebration of Life Live Stream from Essence of Life Video on Vimeo.