Claudine Pederson

Claudine Pederson, beloved wife and mother, dedicated nurse, and cherished community member, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2025, at the age of 82 at the Chosen Valley Care Center surrounded by her loving family. Born on August 29, 1942, in Winneshiek County, Iowa, she was the daughter of Claude and Maurise Snell.

Claudine’s journey began in the small town of Canton, where she met her future husband, Robert (Pete) Pederson. Their love blossomed into a beautiful marriage on October 20, 1962 at Plymouth Rock St. Agnes Church in rural Cresco, Iowa, where they exchanged vows surrounded by family and friends. Together, they raised four wonderful children, creating a home filled with love and laughter.

A proud graduate of the Rochester School of Practical Nursing as a Licensed Practical Nurse, Claudine completed her training on January 9, 1962, and dedicated four decades of her life to caring for others at Mayo Clinic. She worked in cardiac and pediatrics at St. Mary’s Hospital and the Ear, Nose, and Throat department, where her skill and compassion left a lasting imprint on those she served. Claudine retired in 2001, but her commitment to her community never waned.

Claudine played an active role in her community donating blood, volunteering with the ambulance crew, serving as an election judge, supporting the Community Chest, and delivering meals for Meals on Wheels. As a proud member of St. Mary's Altar Society and St. Anthony’s Division, she embodied the values of caring and humility.

For 62 years, Claudine called Chatfield home, where she was well known for her delightful caramel corn and impeccable pies. Many people called upon her for medical advice and she provided aid to address minor medical issues. She was a vibrant member of the Red Hat Ladies, relishing in the camaraderie and joy that these friendships brought.

Claudine is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Robert (“Pete”) Pederson; children, Sharon (Mark) Rossi, Mark (Carol) Pederson, Sheila Pederson, Michael (Michelle) Pederson; grandchildren, Gabriela (Cully) Witte), Mariah (Jake) Peterson, Olivia (Fiance Tony Sarne) Rossi, Eric (Fiance Briana Ackerman) Burski, MaKayla (Aaron) Paulson, Macy (Jacob) Gillespie, Grace Burski (Tom Beyer), Clara Pederson, Gretchen Pederson; great-grandchildren, Leighton Peterson, Hunter Witte; sister, Margaret (Larry) Miller, sister-in-laws Patti Snell and Beverly Hanson and a community that will forever remember her warmth and kindness. As we remember Claudine Pederson, let us reflect on the small but mighty woman who embraced life with grace and generosity, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Claude and Maurise; brother, George Snell; and 6 grandsons, Alexander Rossi, Jared Pederson, Peter Burski, Jacob Burski, Chad Burski, and Mitchell Burski.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chatfield, MN with Father Nicholas Gawarecki. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the church as well as 1 hour before the funeral mass. Claudine will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery immediately following the service. A luncheon will be held at the Chatfield Center for the Arts at the conclusion of the service.

The Pederson family would like to thank the Chosen Valley Care Center staff and Mayo Hospice team for their compassionate care.