Lawrence Ernest Pederson

Lawrence “Larry” E. Pederson was born on November 8th, 1940, in St. Paul, MN to Norris Anthony Pederson and Caroline Louise (Bruggemann) Pederson of Rosemount, MN and was the eldest of 4 siblings. After attending Rosemount High School, Larry served in the Air Force where he was stationed in Biloxi, MS and then Grand Forks, ND. Larry was honorably discharged in 1962, and, after his discharge, Larry began his career in aviation. Shortly thereafter he met Joann (Hinz); they were married in 1966 and made their home in Burnsville, MN.

Larry spent 38 years at Northwest Airlines (NWA) where his career progressed from the guard shack to becoming a mechanic. He then became a foreman and spent the remainder of his career as a maintenance manager.

When Larry retired from NWA in the fall of 2001, Joann and Larry spent their winters in Mesa, AZ. He realized he missed the camaraderie and adventure of aviation, so he joined the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) in 2003. Larry began as a mechanic, then became a Flight Engineer (Flight Crew Chief) on the B17G Sentimental Journey, and, finally, served as the Airbase Arizona Maintenance Officer. Larry truly enjoyed his 21 years there where he had the opportunity to fly on the B17, meet the B17 and its crew on summer tours across the country, and assist the new CAF members by sharing his knowledge of the aircraft. One of Larry’s greatest accomplishments is when he received the Charles Taylor “Master Mechanic” Award in 2019.

Larry is survived by his wife, Joann, of 58 years, son, Anthony (Kirsten) Pederson, and daughter Laura (Darrin) Vatnsdal along with his 4 beloved grandchildren.

Larry’s celebration of life will be held Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Commemorative Air Force Hangar located at 2017 N. Greenfield Rd., Mesa, AZ, 85215. There will be a peanut butter cookie and coffee reception after in the hangar. A gathering in MN/WI will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made, in memory of Larry Pederson, to the Commemorative Air Force, 2017 N. Greenfield Rd, Mesa, AZ 85215. The family extends their thanks and gratitude to the “Renegades” and the rest of the CAF members.