David Henry Pedersen
February 7, 1931 — November 14, 2023
David Henry Pedersen
February 17, 1931 - November 14, 2023
David H. Pedersen, a pillar of the Harlan, Iowa community for 50 years, passed away November 14 at the age of 92.
Pedersen was born in Omaha to Henry W Pedersen and Frances Marguerite Isom. After graduating from Omaha's Benson High School in 1949, Dave was a star athlete at Creighton University in both baseball and basketball. Following his 1954 graduation from pharmacy school at Creighton, Dave joined his father, Henry Pedersen, in his business at Kenwood Drug and then Westgate Drug, both in Omaha.
In 1960, Pedersen married the love of his life, Patricia Louise Kemen, in Chicago, IL. Dave and Pat brought three children to this world: Philip, Amy, and Andrea.
Following his father's death, Dave sold Westgate Drug, but continued to serve the community at other area stores. In 1972, Dave and Pat moved to Harlan Iowa, where he leased and managed a pharmacy at the Gibson's (later Pamida) for 22 years.
In 1995, Dave opened a family business with his wife Pat, and children Phil and Amy - Dave's Pharmacy and Wellness - until 2005.
But Dave's professional work barely scrapes the surface of what Dave meant to his family, friends, and the community. In the 1980s, Dave served for 8 years on the Harlan Community School Board of Education, and later, 10 years on the Harlan City Council (2008-2018). He was named the Shelby County Citizen of the Year in 2002, and awarded the Creighton School of Pharmacy & Health Professions 2006 Alumni Merit Award Recipient. He volunteered for numerous service organizations, including being a founding member of the Mustard Seed, Shelby County Hospice, Shelby County Outreach, and Habitat for Humanity in Southwest Iowa. He served passionately on the Board of the Open Door Mission in Omaha, and numerous community organizations in Harlan.
He was known around Harlan as Super Dave, Donut Dave, Pharmacist Dave, Fishing Dave, Dancing Dave…but most importantly Dad, Uncle Dave, Grandpa Dave, and Great Grandpa Dave.
For those who knew him and loved him, Dave will be remembered for even greater accomplishments. While Pat, his partner in life, was much more the extrovert, Dave will be known as the rock of faith for all those around him. He quietly showed others how to live - with kindness, humility, and a deep caring and concern for those less fortunate. He served with a generous heart above all. With Dave and Pat, the front door was always open and there was always an extra seat at the table.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Frances, wife, Pat, brother, Donald, and nephew Jeffrey.
Dave will be missed most by his Son Philip & Julie Pedersen (Okoboji, IA);grandson: Joshua & Courtney Pedersen, great grandchildren: Jude, Henry & Baker (Glenwood, Iowa); Granddaughter Danielle & Angie Wood, Great Grandsons Finnegan & Oliver (Ankeny, IA); Daughter: Amy & Steve Keast (Harlan, IA); Granddaughter Madison Keast (Omaha); Granddaughter Ellen Keast (Washington, DC); Daughter Andi & Chris Jordan (Scottsdale, AZ); Granddaughter Meghan Jordan (San Francisco, CA); Granddaughter Rachel Jordan (Washington, DC); Grandson Matthew Jordan (San Francisco, CA); Nephew: Brian & Theresa Pedersen (Woodlands, TX); Great niece Stephanie Pedersen (Seattle, WA); Great nephew Christopher Pedersen (Seattle WA); other relatives and many friends.
February 17, 1931 - November 14, 2023
David H. Pedersen, a pillar of the Harlan, Iowa community for 50 years, passed away November 14 at the age of 92.
Pedersen was born in Omaha to Henry W Pedersen and Frances Marguerite Isom. After graduating from Omaha's Benson High School in 1949, Dave was a star athlete at Creighton University in both baseball and basketball. Following his 1954 graduation from pharmacy school at Creighton, Dave joined his father, Henry Pedersen, in his business at Kenwood Drug and then Westgate Drug, both in Omaha.
In 1960, Pedersen married the love of his life, Patricia Louise Kemen, in Chicago, IL. Dave and Pat brought three children to this world: Philip, Amy, and Andrea.
Following his father's death, Dave sold Westgate Drug, but continued to serve the community at other area stores. In 1972, Dave and Pat moved to Harlan Iowa, where he leased and managed a pharmacy at the Gibson's (later Pamida) for 22 years.
In 1995, Dave opened a family business with his wife Pat, and children Phil and Amy - Dave's Pharmacy and Wellness - until 2005.
But Dave's professional work barely scrapes the surface of what Dave meant to his family, friends, and the community. In the 1980s, Dave served for 8 years on the Harlan Community School Board of Education, and later, 10 years on the Harlan City Council (2008-2018). He was named the Shelby County Citizen of the Year in 2002, and awarded the Creighton School of Pharmacy & Health Professions 2006 Alumni Merit Award Recipient. He volunteered for numerous service organizations, including being a founding member of the Mustard Seed, Shelby County Hospice, Shelby County Outreach, and Habitat for Humanity in Southwest Iowa. He served passionately on the Board of the Open Door Mission in Omaha, and numerous community organizations in Harlan.
He was known around Harlan as Super Dave, Donut Dave, Pharmacist Dave, Fishing Dave, Dancing Dave…but most importantly Dad, Uncle Dave, Grandpa Dave, and Great Grandpa Dave.
For those who knew him and loved him, Dave will be remembered for even greater accomplishments. While Pat, his partner in life, was much more the extrovert, Dave will be known as the rock of faith for all those around him. He quietly showed others how to live - with kindness, humility, and a deep caring and concern for those less fortunate. He served with a generous heart above all. With Dave and Pat, the front door was always open and there was always an extra seat at the table.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Frances, wife, Pat, brother, Donald, and nephew Jeffrey.
Dave will be missed most by his Son Philip & Julie Pedersen (Okoboji, IA);grandson: Joshua & Courtney Pedersen, great grandchildren: Jude, Henry & Baker (Glenwood, Iowa); Granddaughter Danielle & Angie Wood, Great Grandsons Finnegan & Oliver (Ankeny, IA); Daughter: Amy & Steve Keast (Harlan, IA); Granddaughter Madison Keast (Omaha); Granddaughter Ellen Keast (Washington, DC); Daughter Andi & Chris Jordan (Scottsdale, AZ); Granddaughter Meghan Jordan (San Francisco, CA); Granddaughter Rachel Jordan (Washington, DC); Grandson Matthew Jordan (San Francisco, CA); Nephew: Brian & Theresa Pedersen (Woodlands, TX); Great niece Stephanie Pedersen (Seattle, WA); Great nephew Christopher Pedersen (Seattle WA); other relatives and many friends.
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