Dorcas R. Pederson, 72, of Colman, SD,  passed away Saturday, May 27, 2017, at the Dougherty Hospice House. Visitation will begin at 1 pm Wednesday, May 31, with family present  from 5-7 pm at Kahler Funeral Home in Dell Rapids. Funeral services will be at 11 am Thursday, June 1, in the Kahler Funeral Home Chapel.

Dorcas was born January 11, 1945, to John and Rose DeBoer. She grew up in Sioux Falls and attended school at Whittier through  the eighth grade. She was united in marriage to Gerald Pederson on October 11, 1969. They made their home on a farm near Colman, SD.

Dorcas spent most of her life as a homemaker always attending to large gardens and canning numerous jars of goods, while raising two children, Tracey and Kelly.  She also spent many years working as a nursing assistant in various nursing homes.

She loved to spend time with family and friends, especially her eight grandchildren. She was excited to meet her newest grandchild expected this coming fall. Her favorite hobbies were growing many variety of flowers, gardening, watching the races, and antique shopping at rummage sales.  As her physical strength began to deteriorate, she sought to gain spiritual strength. She spent her homebound days praying and getting to know her Savior.

Dorcas was preceded in death by her brother, Roger DeBoer, and her parents.

She is survived by her husband and  best friend, Jerry Pederson ; two children, Tracey (Jeff) Merrill and Kelly (Amy) Pederson; grandchildren Luke, Ryan, Chase, Tye, Jake and Nathan Merrill,  Zach and Josie Pederson; and three nephews, Kyle, Danny and Terry DeBoer.

Special thank you to Dr. Valerie Larson , the Dell Rapids Hospital staff, her home health nurse, Julie,  the Doughtery Hospice House, and Sharon Anderson for all their hours of helping our mom.

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