Carol Lynn Colby Pederson
Carol Lynn (Colby) Pederson, 73, Lake Mills, passed away unexpectedly Monday, August 8, 2022 at MercyOne Medical Center North Iowa, Mason City. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, August 12, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Lake Mills, with Father Ben Valentine officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, August 11, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Schott Funeral Home-Mittelstadt Chapel, Lake Mills. A private inurnment will take place at a later date.
Carol Lynn Colby was born Dec. 26, 1948 in Albert Lea, Minnesota to parents Maurice and Dorothy (Pavek) Colby. She graduated from Lake Mills High School in 1967. Carol went on to obtain a degree as a Registered Nurse from Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea.
Because of two mutual friends (Mike Sarno and Georgia Swenson) Carol was set up on a blind date with Steve Pederson. Little did anyone know that date would lead to over 52 years of marriage blessed with four sons. They were united in marriage on July 18, 1970 in Cambria, Wisconsin.
After their wedding, the couple moved to Macomb, Illinois while Steve finished his schooling and Carol worked at the county hospital. A 1 year stay in Dubuque, Iowa and 5 years in Mason City (and two boys later), then the family moved to Cambria, WI. They resided in Wisconsin from 1977-1981 (and added two more boys to the family) before finally moving back to Lake Mills, where Carol and Steve have resided ever since.
There are so many words that can be used to describe Carol Pederson, among them would be: selfless, loving, supportive, caring, giving, and compassionate. Carol was destined to be a nurse; providing care to others was something that came naturally for her, and her quiet demeanor never sought attention or accolades. She lived the Golden Rule, loved her husband dearly, and raised her children to appreciate what life-and hard work-had to offer.
For decades, Carol poured herself into her role at the Lake Mills Care Center, tending to the residents and treating them as family. Even though she worked nights, she would still have lunch and dinner cooked for everyone at home. When it came to large family gatherings, she loved to provide food and clean up after everyone, keeping in mind that dinner needed to be at 6:00 or earlier. When not working, Carol kept an immaculate lawn and enjoyed tending to her plants at home.
Her heart was full of pride whenever she thought about her boys and their families, knowing that she and Steve did their very best. Spending vacations at the cabin up north was always memorable, and Carol relished the time spent fishing with her family.
She is greatly missed by her husband, Steve, Lake Mills; four sons: Matt (Kelly) Pederson, Munford, Tenn.; Jeff (Christy) Pederso, Polk City; Scott (Carlynn) Pederson, Grimes; and Todd (Sara) Pederson, Ankeny; 14 treasured grandchildren: Everett, Annika Clare & Lucas; Elijah, Abram, Isaac, Samuel & Christian; Will, Max & Marshall; and Kyle, Cade & Elly; and her sister Jan (Marv) Koopmans of Cambria, WI. Carol is also survived by many extended relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Lon Colby; in-laws Stan and Phyllis Pederson; her God-daughter Atty Joy Nelson; a nephew Wade Perdew; great-nephew David Hopper; and two sisters-in-law, Patti Jo Pederson and Susie Perdew-Paton.
