Norman H. Pedersen

Norman Holger Pedersen June 23, 1931 – January 8, 2025

Norman Holger Pedersen, devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away at his home in Livingston, Montana on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on June 23, 1931, to Holger and Elfrida Pedersen, in Orange, Essex County, New Jersey, Norman grew up with an enduring love for animals, the outdoors, and the simple joys of ranch life.

In his early years, Norman, his parents, and his sister Mira moved to California, settling in San Mateo, Marin County. From a young age, Norman showed a passion for horses, often skipping school to work with them. As a teenager, he traveled across California, caring for polo horses and immersing himself in the equestrian world.

Norman graduated from San Mateo High School in 1949 and soon after made a life-changing decision to move to Montana to pursue his dream of becoming a cowboy. Disillusioned with the growing population in California, Montana became the perfect place for him to embrace his love of ranching and wide-open spaces.

When the Korean War began, Norman answered the call to serve his country by joining the U.S. Coast Guard. He served honorably as a gunner’s mate in the Pacific and later on the East Coast in Baltimore. After his service, Norman used the GI Bill to attend UC Davis, where he earned a degree in Animal Husbandry, setting the stage for a lifelong career centered around his love for animals and the land.

Norman returned to Montana and resumed ranch work, eventually finding his way to the E4 Ranch near Dillon. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Doris Marie Eggar, and the two married on October 16, 1965. With their union, Norman wholeheartedly embraced Doris’s three children, Kathy, David, and Janie, loving and raising them as his own. Their family grew even more complete with the arrival of their son, Peter, on June 1, 1966.

The family moved to various ranches in Montana, including Stafford’s Ranch near Livingston and later the Double U Ranch. In 1973, Norman took on a new challenge, purchasing a dairy farm in Leonard, Minnesota. He worked tirelessly there until 1985, when the family relocated to Texas.

In Texas, Norman initially worked framing houses before joining Lone Star Gas in 1987. He dedicated himself to the company until his retirement in 1996, after which he enjoyed a well-earned rest. He and Doris relocated to Chino Valley, Arizona for several years before returning to their beloved Montana, in 2012. During his retirement he dedicated his time to his beloved wife and various hobbies, including storytelling, shooting sports, horseshoeing, leather work and picking out the biggest, thickest steak to grill and share with his family.

Norman will be remembered for his unshakable work ethic, his love of family, and his commitment to living life on his own terms. He had a sharp wit, a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world, and an unwavering determination to pursue his passions.

He is survived by his children, Kathy (Clay) Williams of Wilsall, Montana, David (Rebecca) Pedersen of Denton, Texas, Janie Pedersen of Plymouth, Minnesota, and Peter Pedersen of Kansas City, Missouri. Grandchildren Amy (Jay) McIsaac, BJ Williams, Nathan Pedersen, Jennifer (Jeremiah) Maxwell, and Angela (Patrick) Nelson. Great Grandchildren, Emily, Julie and Allie McIsaac, Kaleb and Eliana Maxwell and Roald Nelson, all of whom he loved deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents, his devoted wife, Doris Pedersen and sister, Mira Gorham.

A private celebration of Norman’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to Western Montana Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation, PO Box 1168, Corvallis, MT 59828. 

“May your belly never rumble, may your heart never ache, may your horse never stumble, may your cinch never break and may the good Lord hold you in the palm of his hand”.