Obituary of Dorothy Irene Pederson Gall

Dorothy Irene Pederson Gall, age 96 of Yankton passed away on Thursday, May 05, 2016 at the Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home in Viborg, SD. Pallbearers will be her Grandchildren: Craig, Chris, Michelle, Melissa, Ryan, Jason, Sarah, Ashley, Kristen, Arron, Shannon, Stephanie, and Nicole. Dorothy was born on the family farm on October 22, 1919 to Charles and Amelia (Anderson) Gustafson in rural Centerville, SD. She was baptized and confirmed at Brooklyn Evangelical Church, Beresford. At the age of 2 years old her mother passed away and was raised by her father with her two brothers and five sisters. Dorothy attended a rural school for eight years. She started working in her teens as a nanny for a couple in Sioux Falls and worked at several various businesses. At the roller rink, she met her husband to be Oliver Pederson. In 1942, they were united in marriage and to this union five children were born: Wayne, John, David, Anna, and Steve. Together they farmed for many years and they were both employed by the Human Services Center in Yankton. Oliver passed away in 1984, she remained on the farm until moving into Yankton in 1985. In 1987, Dorothy met and married Art Gall who passed away in 1988. In 2010, Dorothy moved into Walnut Village where she lived until suffering from a stroke, when she was moved to Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home in Viborg. She was very active in her church community, teaching Sunday School and other Board positions. She enjoyed playing cards, baking, crocheting, gardening especially flowers. Dorothy was an avid Twins and Vikings fan but loved all sports and was an active bowler until the age of 89 competing in many national tournaments. She enjoyed traveling and she has been everywhere. But most of all, her family was very important to her including her step children and the Gall family. She is survived by her sons: Wayne (Teresa) Sioux Falls, SD, John (Carla) of Freeman, SD, Steve (Terri) Sioux Falls, SD; daughter, Anna (Glenn) Larsen of Chester, SD; daughter-in-law, Ellen Pederson of Yankton, SD; 13 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Peder Pederson of Yankton, SD; sister-in-law, Helen Holm, Viborg, SD and host of friends and relatives. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husbands, parents, seven siblings, her son, David, granddaughter, Carey, and great grandson, Gus. A heart felt thank you to Walnut Village and Pioneer Nursing Home for the loving care you gave to our Mom.