Jan K. Pedersen, 93

STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — Jan K. Pedersen, 93, long-time resident of Stockbridge, Mass., died peacefully October 29, 2018, at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, Mass.

Born in Arendale, Norway, on March 7, 1925, Jan immigrated to the United States in 1927. A veteran of World War II, he enlisted in the Navy in 1942 and was honorably discharged in 1945. He had numerous decorations, with the highest being the Distinguished Flying Cross Aviation Award in the Pacific Theater of Operations of the Philippines flying Top Gunner Patrol Aircraft.

Jan was the devoted husband of June Pedersen for 64 years. Jan was the loving father of Gary G. Pedersen of Lee, Mass., and Karen L. Pedersen of Northampton, Mass. He was a beloved grandfather to Kyle R. Pedersen Schroder of Greenfield, Mass., and Kate Kaufmann of Williams, Ore. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Peter Nicolai of North Egremont, Mass., and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Susan Karen Kaufmann in 2002; son-in-law Bill Kaufmann in 2001; daughter-in-law Jennifer Pedersen in 1996; his brother Per Bjorn in 2014; sister-in-law Grace Johnson Pedersen in 1991; brother Alf Bjorn Pedersen in 2017; sister-in-law Lena Kinne Pedersen, in 2012; and sister Gloria Nicolai in 2018.

Jan was an accomplished Hand Draftsman and retired from General Electric. He served General Electric for many years drafting manuals for Naval and NASA contracts. He relocated his family to Alabama and Florida in order to fulfill his career opportunities and traveled extensively in the United States with his work.

After retiring Jan continued his woodworking interests, served as a volunteer Stockbridge, Mass., firefighter, volunteered as a videographer for local cable television and was a member of the Lion’s Club. Jan will be remembered for his gentleness and fondness to laugh and talk with all of his nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

Funeral notice: A graveside service will be held at the Stockbridge Cemetery, Stockbridge, Mass., on Saturday, November 17, 2018, at 11 a.m. Donations in honor of Jan K. Pedersen can be made to the National Kidney Foundation and the American Cancer Society through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230.