Stitched with gratitude

In 1958, Eddie Pederson joined the U.S. Army not only to serve his country, but also out of necessity for his struggling family. Now, 65 years later, he’s being honored for his sacrifices.

Pederson, 82, has earned a Quilt of Valor from the Southeast Minnesota Quilters Group. His is the 130^th quilt the group has presented to veterans over the past five years. Marie Wilson of Rochester stopped at Pederson’s Owatonna home late last month to give him the special quilt.

“I feel honored to receive it and to be remembered like that,” said Pederson. “It’s something special and it reminds me of what I went through.”

Pederson, the oldest of five children, was just 15 when his mother died. His father was forced to raise the family on their 1,000-acre farm near Thief River Falls.

As soon as he turned 18, Pederson enlisted in the U.S. Army “to help his family.” He sent half of his salary back home to assist with the family’s expenses. Pederson’s father later remarried his mother’s sister.

“I’m proud of myself that I could help out,” Pederson said.

He served for four years in the Army stationed in France during the Cold War. Pederson also spent some time in Berlin, Germany. He drove truck loaded with dynamite.

“It was touch and go,” Pederson recalled of being in Europe.

Pederson feels fortunate that he survived his military service. A man who had a similar name wasn't so lucky.

There had been a mix-up in the military orders where the other man was sent to Korea. Within a month, the man was killed in action. “It could have been me in Korea,” Pederson said. “I guess the guy above was looking out for me.”

Pederson came to Owatonna in 1965. He drove charter bus in Waseca for many years and served as a custodian in Faribault for almost 20 years. After his first wife died in 1989, he remarried Carolyn, and they have been married for 30 years. They met while square dancing, something the two of them enjoyed together until about 10 years ago.

The veteran, who is a lifetime member of the Owatonna VFW, is appreciative of the quilt made in his honor.

“These quilts are an expression of gratitude to thank and comfort you,” said Wilson in presenting the quilt to Pederson. “We honor you for leaving all you hold dear to serve, whether in time of crisis or in time of peace. This Quilt of Valor says thank you for your service, sacrifice and valor in serving our nation.”

Wilson wrapped the quilt around Pederson.

Besides a remembrance of his sacrifices, the quilt, Pederson’s wife said, will be useful in another way.

“He’s always cold in the winter so it will be pretty handy for him,” Carolyn said, adding, “It’s pretty special to be remembered for the service of your country.”