Richard “Dick” Dale Pederson, 79, of Onalaska and formerly of Holmen, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 14, 2016 in his home.  He was born on September 28, 1936 in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, to Raymond and Velma (Hagen) Pederson.  He married Elizabeth “Betty” Wintz on May 5, 1956 in La Crosse.

Dick was a quiet, gentle man who loved his family, being outdoors in nature, planting trees (of which he planted over 100 at his home in Holmen), farming, animals, motorcycling, cutting wood, and horseback riding.  Dick worked for Pederson Hardware, Nelson Clothing, Leithold Music, and was head custodian for Holmen Middle and Viking Elementary Schools for 25 years, where he made some good “fishing buddies” and friends, and where he enjoyed getting to know the kids.

Dick is survived by his wife, Betty; daughters Lynn (Steve) Knudson of Mindoro, Lois (Jerry) Heintz of Holmen; grandsons Erich and Kyle Knudson of Mindoro; granddaughters Danyelle (Chad) Chesebro of Holmen,  Amanda (Ben) Kerrigan of La Crosse,  Chelsey Heintz of Holmen, and Samantha Heintz of La Crosse; Great-grandchildren Hannah, Yvonne, and Emily Knudson of Holmen, Jeffrey Chesebro of Green Bay, and Luke Kerrigan of La Crosse; brother Tom (Virginia) of Westby; sister Margaret Hodgson of Manitowoc; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Dora and Erich Wintz, brother, Gary Pederson, brother-in-law, Ned Hodgson, and aunts and uncles.

Thank you to the 7^th Floor nurses and doctors, the oncology unit, and the hospice team at Mayo Health Care in La Crosse; and James at Coulee Region Cremation Group.

To honor his wishes, a private family gathering will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers or plants, donations may be made to the Coulee Region Humane Society or to a charity of your choice.