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Howard D. Pedersen, 70

Blair native Howard D. Pedersen, 70, of Rapid City, S.D., died June 7, 2006, after a long battle against cancer.

A memorial service was held June 12 at Serenity Springs Chapel in Rapid City.

Howard Dean Pedersen and his twin brother, Harold, were born Dec. 9, 1935, in Blair to Ted and Rosella (Warrick) Pedersen. In the 1950’s, he and his family moved to Colorado.

In September 1993, he married Signe Matson-Bennett in Colorado. Howard retired from RTD in July of 1994. Mr. and Mrs. Pedersen pursued his dream of full time RVing and traveled throughout the United States. They spent the last 10 years in the Tucson, Ariz., area.

He is survived by his wife, Signe; his children, sons and daughters-in-law, Howard and Pam Pedersen of Wisconsin; Alan and Brenda Pedersen and Mike and Bekka Bennett, all of Colorado; daughters and son-in-law, Carrie Pedersen; Kim and Gary Seebaum, and Kristy Pedersen, all of Colorado, Terri and Doug Phelps of Rapid City, S.D.; sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Lowell Paine; sisters-in-law, Sharon Pedersen and Evelyn and Gene Ostermiller; and mother-in-law, Hazel Matson, all of Colorado; 17 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his twin brother, Harold and a grand-daughter, Ashley Pedersen.

A memorial has been established to Hospice of the Hills.