JoClaire Pederson

JoClaire Pederson of New York Mills, Minnesota passed away on Wednesday, September 22nd, 2021, in her home surrounded by her loved ones.

JoClaire was born on July 1, 1948, shortly before her twin brother, Jim, to Vergil and Lilly Paulson. The family lived on a farm west of Belgrade, Minnesota. They were members of Crow Lake Lutheran Church where she was baptized and confirmed. She attended and graduated from Belgrade High School.

On August 20, 1966, Jo married Michael Dickhoff and their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Janice, and Michele. They resided in Willmar, St. Louis Park and Big Lake, Minnesota where Mike passed away on June 2nd, 1973. On October 30, 1976, she was united in marriage to Roger Pederson, and Nicholas and Matthew were added to the family. They lived in Blomkest before settling in New York Mills, Minnesota.

Jo had several occupations during her working career, but her favorite was as a paraprofessional working with children. She retired in 2010 after 24 years in the New York Mills School System. Jo volunteered for many organizations including the VFW Auxiliary, Santa’s Anonymous, New Horizons, Girl Scouts and the GFWC. She loved music and singing in her church choir and performing in the group ‘Sincerely’. A highlight was when ‘Sincerely’ was asked to sing the National Anthem at the “Great American Think Off” which was televised on CSPAN. She liked auctions and collected antiques, furniture, Red Wing Crocks, antique clothing, and accessories.

The most important things in JoClaire’s life were her family and friends. She is survived by her husband: Roger; children: Janice (Chuck) Brasel of Pine River; Michele (Tommy) Anderson of Belton, Texas; Nicholas (Teresa) Pederson of New York Mills; and Matthew (Emily) Pederson of Maple Grove; grandchildren: Kendra Brasel (Kyle Witt); and Nathan Brasel; Alex and Marissa Anderson; Natalie; Samantha and Rylie Pederson; and Lilly Sun Pederson; and great-grandchildren: Lillianne and Gracelyn.

Jo is also survived by her sister: Renee Paulson of Albuquerque, New Mexico; brothers: Jim (Jean) Paulson of Belgrade; Eric (Kristi) Paulson of Belgrade; and Peter (Audrey) Paulson of Belgrade; many close Paulson, Dickhoff, and Pederson relatives, and a host of friends.

Jo’s family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to all who have been so very supportive during this difficult time.

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