Karyn Pederson

We celebrate the life of Karyn Marie Franzmeier Pederson who passed away on April 23, 2023. Daughter of Dorothy Elston Franzmeier and Louis William Franzmeier she was born January 15, 1938 in St Paul Minnesota. Karyn met her husband Donald J Pederson, the love of her life, in kindergarten and was married October 21, 1961 for 62 years and was the loving mother of two daughters, Beth and Bryn. She graduated from Hastings High school in 1956 and graduated from Macalester College where she majored in Education and Language (German).
Karyn was a remarkable woman, she lived, loved and celebrated life all of her 85 years, she loved music and was a concert marimbist with the Minnesota symphony and performed throughout her life for many church, charitable and community events. She performed in Palm Springs under the famous conductor Henry Mancini, was a featured soloist at the Harvest of Harmony concert in Eveleth and performed at the banquet for Minnesota Governor Youngdahl at just 10 years of age.
Karyn will be fondly remembered for her community service in the 15 different places she called home including acting as program chairman for the American’s Women’s Association and chairman and director of the Michigan fine arts festival. She loved teaching nursery school, her profession for more than 13 years. She began a nursery school in Marquette Michigan in addition to Sunday school teaching and starting programs to introduce young audiences to fine arts and music.
When she married Don, she said to him for “whither thou goest, I will go”- and they did- with 14 moves throughout their life together. Karyn loved her time in Europe after Don had been transferred there for 8 years appreciating all the culture and of course so many dear friends along the way. She adored her long conversations with friends and family, she was a beautiful person inside and out. Her smile and kind eyes would light up the whole room. She cared so deeply for the people around her and was a true humanitarian, kind and loving, she made a tremendous impact on many lives. She will be forever missed by her beloved friends and family. And for all of them whom she loved so much, she left this message:
“In one of those stars I shall be living. In one of them I shall be laughing. And so it will be as if all the stars were laughing, when you look at the sky at night… You will always be my friend…I shall not leave you.” -The Petit Prince
Preceded in death by her mother Dorothy, her father Louis, sister Yvonne, brother Wesley, sister in law Patricia Fox, nieces and nephews John Fox, Michael Brill and Maureen Momsen. She is survived by her husband, Donald and 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 her 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 one of her favorite charities, Operation Smile, the Red Cross, ASPCA or other charity of your choice…Karyn loved and supported them

Karyn Pederson Celebration of Life Live Stream from WeStreamServices4 on Vimeo.