19 May Connie L. Pederson

Connie L. Pederson, 75, of Bismarck, ND & Mesa, AZ passed away Feb 17, 2023, at Hospice of the Valley, Scottsdale, AZ after a short 2 month struggle with cancer.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at Bismarck Funeral Home. Family will be greeting guests one hour prior to the service.

Connie Lou Lucht was born February 14, 1948 to Noel and Irene Lucht in Fargo, ND. She grew up and was educated in Nome, ND. Connie and her twin sister Carol were among the last class to graduate from Nome in 1966. After high school she attended Valley City State College and graduated with a degree in English and a minor in Speech. While attending college Connie worked part time at American National Bank in Valley City. On August 15, 1970, Connie married the love of her life Ron Pederson at Nebo Lutheran Church, in Valley City. After Ron accepted employment with Northwestern Bell in Fargo, Connie transferred to Norwest Bank in Fargo and eventually became a loan officer for 16 years. After Ron was transferred to Dickinson, Connie began a new career with Stark County Social Services. After 10 years and another transfer for Ron to Bismarck, Connie accepted a job with the ND State Department of Social Services Office of Economic Assistance where she eventually became a Regional Services Supervisor for the State. Connie continued her service to the state of North Dakota for 31 years and retired in 2013.  After retirement Connie and Ron became snowbirds and spent 6 months each year in Sunland Village East retirement village in Mesa, Arizona. As Connie would readily say, “these were the best years” of her life socializing with the many friends they gained while enjoying their retired life. The high point of Connie’s life would undoubtedly be her two children Jodi and Todd.  With them came five amazing grandchildren and two incredible great grandsons that she continuously spoiled. Connie will always be known and famous for her exceptional cooking and baking skills which spoiled many family and friends. Connie had many special activities that she enjoyed but one of her favorites was her yard with numerous flowers and trees. Connie & Ron spent endless hours working on their acreage north of Bismarck of which they were very proud.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents. She is survived by her husband of 52 years Ron Pederson, Bismarck/Mesa, daughter Jodi Pederson (Jeff Mehl), Menoken, ND, son Todd Pederson, Bismarck; five grandchildren, Mikayla Arndorfer (Kyle Edinger), Bismarck, Garret Arndorfer, SDSU Brookings, MacKenzie Pederson, Greenville University, Augusta, Montana, Haiden Pederson, University of Arizona, Tucson, and Jakob Pederson, Legacy High School, Bismarck; and two great grandsons, Kohen and Kaden, Bismarck; Sister Carol (Doc) Thompson, Valley City, brother Noel Lucht, Peoria, AZ.

Cremation has already taken place. A celebration of life will be held at Sunland Village East, Mesa, AZ followed by a spring celebration to be held in Bismarck. Inurnment will take place at

the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.

Any memorials can be made to either The American Cancer Society or the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.