Lena L. Pederson, age 83 years, of New London passed away Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at the Wisconsin Veteran’s Home, King.
Lena Lewinia Haras was born on June 12, 1931 in Endeavour, Saskatchewan, Canada, to George and Mary (Yurkiw) Haras. She was united in marriage on October 13, 1951 to Gerald W. Schulz in Milwaukee. The young couple lived in Milwaukee with family, then traveled extensively due to military assignments. Gerald died in a plane crash November 6, 1964 at Peace Air Force Base in New Hampshire. Lena was married on June 28, 1981 to Donald R. Pederson at First Congregational UCC, New London. They lived in the area for many years and Lena worked as a waitress at the Pantry Café in New London. Later she worked side-by-side with her husband at the Sears Catalog Store, New London. After about 10 years, they closed the store and she went to work in the deli at Festival Foods, New London, for the following 15 years. Lena is a member of First Congregational Church, New London. Lena enjoyed being outdoors and being with friends and family. She liked to work in her flower and vegetable gardens, and watching the birds and the squirrels. She also enjoyed going to Mosquito Hill Nature Center and the New London Pool. She was a devoted wife, and a loving mother and grandmother who cared deeply for everyone.
Survivors include her husband of 33 years, Donald, and five children, Gerald (Sue) Schulz, Jr. of Hubertus, Dianna (Michael) Montemarano of Bradenton, FL, Meriann Hille of Stevens Point, Pamela (Steven) Schmit of Oconto, and Jacquelyn (Beth Seymour) Pederson of Luxemburg. There are nine grandchildren; Jesse (Alisha) Schulz, Tina Reinke, Aaron (Casey) Reinke, Richard Reinke, Zachary Hille, Cody Hille, Eric (Nikki) Schmit, Tyler (fiancée Shannon Felter) Schmit, and Adam (fiancée Beth Beyer) Schmit. There are 12 great-grandchildren. There are two sisters, Ann Lesack of British Columbia, Vancouver, and Elsie Clifford of Winnipeg, Manitoba. There are five brothers, Norman Haras of Endeavour, Saskatchewan, Edward Haras of Endeavour, Saskatchewan, Andrew (Ardelle) Haras of St. Albert, Alberta, Tony (Sharon) Haras of Regina, Saskatchewan, and William Haras of Kantaloops, British Columbia. She is further survived by one sister-in-law, Marilyn Drysdale of Lake Crystal, MN, and many other relatives and friends. Lena is preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Gerald; a sister, Vickie Anderson; a brother, Aaron; one sister-in-law, Maureen Haras, and three brothers-in-law, Boden Lesack, Tom Clifford, and Al Anderson.
Friends may call on Tuesday, September 9th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service all at the church. The Service will be held on Wednesday, September 10th at 11:00 a.m. at First Congregational UCC, New London. Rev. Greg Watling will officiate and inurnment will be at Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, King. The Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Clintonville, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be sent via www.beil-didier.com