Richard Pederson

It is with sadness and love that his family shares the passing of Richard (Dick) Pederson of Corrales, NM on December 18, 2025 at the age of 88 years. He was in home hospice care and died with dignity with wife, Helen and daughter, June by his side.

Dick was born in Pennsylvania on March 9, 1937. Six weeks later, he moved with his parents, George and Myrna Pederson to Minnesota, where he grew up with his two brothers, Don and George. After high school, Dick joined the Navy and served our country from 1955-1957. He then attended the University of Minnesota to study Forestry, where he met his future wife, Helen. They were both leaders of the ski and canoeing clubs on campus, as they had a mutual love for the outdoors. After graduating in 1961, they married and started their life and family together. Dick worked hard and advanced as he served our country in a new way with the US Forest Service. Helen and Dick had three children, and the family moved all over the United States as he took on new roles, ending in Albuquerque as the Director of Lands and Minerals for the Southwest Region.

Dick has always had interesting hobbies, and was able to enjoy them full time when he retired in 1993. He restored antique cars and tractors as well as antique engines of all kinds. He was a member of the Old Car Club of Albuquerque and the Rio Rancho Presbyterian Church. 

He is survived by his wife, Helen Pederson; daughter, June Pederson; son, Neal Pederson and his wife Kristin; daughter, Cari Schnepp and her husband Eric; and grandchildren, Ben, Michelle, Bella, and Ash. 

A memorial service will be held on January 3rd at 1pm at Rio Rancho Presbyterian, Church at 1004 24th St SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Rio Rancho Presbyterian Church.