August 11. 1943 – December 5, 2023
Pastor Douglas Lyle Pedersen, 80, of Battle Creek, Michigan, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at home. He was born on August 11, 1943, the son of Lyle Erwin Pedersen and Virginia Ruth (Giesler) Pedersen.
Doug was a 1961 graduate of Baudette High School in Minnesota. After high school, Doug served in the United States Navy, receiving an honorable discharge in 1964. In 1968, he was a graduate of Mankato State University in Minnesota and a 1971 graduate of Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL with his master’s degree in divinity. Doug married the love of his life, Darlene Fairchild on September 12, 1970, and the two have spent the remaining years together. He was a former member of the Lions Club, Kiwanis, Rotary Club, and Masonic Lodge. Doug pastored at Center Park UMC in Three Rivers, MI, St. Joseph UMC in St. Joseph, MI, Saugatuck-Ganges UMC, Turk Lake UMC in Greenville, MI, Wesley Park UMC in Wyoming, MI, Wayland UMC, Faith UMC in Grand Rapids, MI, Leland UMC, Williamsburg UMC, Emmanuel UMC in Traverse City, MI, and finished at Traverse Bay UMC in Traverse City retiring in 2005. Doug attended Newton UMC during his retirement and New Horizon UMC in Haines City, FL.
Doug is survived by his wife of 53 years, Darlene Pedersen; son, Jeffrey (Carolyn Benson) Pedersen; daughter, Sarah Pedersen; grandchildren, R.J., Nick, and Ainsley Benson-Pedersen; sisters, Jean (Gerald) Eick, Bonnie Weingartz; and sister-in-law, Mary Jane Pedersen. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Julie Mettler; brother, Thomas Pedersen, and brother-in-law, Paul Weingartz.
Doug enjoyed golfing, fishing, reading, playing shuffleboard, participating in the Post Band in Battle Creek and the Northport Community Band in Northport, MI. He also enjoyed wintering in Florida with Darlene. Doug treasured his time with his family and valued his children and grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at the Newton United Methodist Church, 8804 F Drive S, Ceresco, MI 49033, on Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. The memorial service to celebrate Doug’s life will follow at 12:00 pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Newton United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society in honor of Doug.
Arrangements entrusted to the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service. Share memories with the family at www.baxterfuneral.com
*Pedersen, Douglas L. (Darlene) – [(RE) D 1970; FE 1972; RE 2005] Center Park 1970; Transferred from Minnesota Conf 1971; St Joseph First (Assoc) 1971; Saugatuck 10/15/1973; Saugatuck, Ganges 10/15/1973; Turk Lake 8/15/1975; Wyoming: Wesley Park (Assoc) 1979; Wayland 1982; Grand Rapids: Faith 1987; Leland 2/16/1994; Williamsburg 1997; Emmanuel Traverse City 2/1/2003; Traverse Bay/Williamsburg 1/1/2005 (TC Emmanuel Merged w/ TC Asbury, becoming Traverse Bay); Retired 2005.
Last Updated on December 18, 2023