Lars Charles Pedersen

Lars Charles Pedersen (aka Rick, Larry, Nerd), age 69, of Elizabeth, Illinois, passed away Sunday, December 26, 2010, surrounded by his family following a two month battle with lung & liver cancer. Cremation rites have been accorded and a Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 8, 2011, at The Church of St. Mary in Elizabeth, with Father Noel Jacob as Celebrant with Father Chris Kuhn as Concelebrant. Burial will follow St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Elizabeth. Memorials may be given in Rick’s memory.
Rick was born May 30, 1941, the son of Lars and Geneva (Horstman) Pedersen in El Paso, Texas. He lived most of his life in Chicago. On January 14, 1961, Rick married Joan Solinski in Evanston, Illinois. He and Joan moved to rural Elizabeth twenty years ago. The little piece of timber was his dream homesite. Their marriage was blessed by Father Ron Conro on July 3, 1999 at the Church of St. Mary in Elizabeth.
Rick was a wiz at repairing computers. Riding his Harley was his greatest joy. He was an ex-Hell’s Henchman, Chicago Chapter and a retired Night Rider also of Chicago. Rick enjoyed years as a Ham Radio operator in Chicago. He held membership in the Hanover American Legion Post #707.
Rick is survived by his wife, Joan of Elizabeth; his daughter, Candise Bentley and her children, Deidree Garibay, Julia Bentley and Christopher Bentley; his son, Rick & Mary Pedersen and their children, Rick and Joshua; his son, Richard and Julie Pedersen and their children Zack, John, Josh and Emma Holtz. Also survived by his sister, Darlene (Dave) Schauer of Elgin; a brother, Robert (Lucy) Pedersen in China, several nieces and nephews and three precious great grandsons, Izaiah, Elijah and Caiden. Also all his biker brothers & sisters, especially Curt, Mike (Tiny) and Torch.