Merle Pederson Obituary

Merle T. Pederson, age 69, of Des Moines, passed away after a long battle from Alzheimer's on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Arbor Springs surrounded by family, good friends, and a lot of love.
Merle Pederson was born on January 16, 1956 in Grafton, North Dakota but grew up in Edinburg, North Dakota with his father (Leroy Pederson), mother (Louise Pederson), and two brothers (Robin and Steven Pederson). The house was always busy, and Merle developed a strong work ethic at a young age painting houses. This motivation continued during his studies at the University of North Dakota. Here he was a brother in the Delta Upsilon fraternity with both of his brothers (Robin and Steven), participated in the Varsity Bards Men's Chorus where he had the opportunity to show off his incredible singing voice, and eventually led him to graduate Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science.
But he was not done yet. He continued his educational pursuit at the University of North Dakota and attended the UND School of Law graduating with his Doctor of Law in 1981. After a robust start in his law career as Deputy Insurance Commissioner in North Dakota, he eventually moved to Des Moines, Iowa in 1989 and began working at Principal Financial Group eventually working his way up to Vice President & Counsel for Government Relations.
While also serving as a lobbyist for the Iowa Legislative Assembly and serving on the Board of Mercy Hospital, he did indeed manage to carve out quite a bit of time for fun and relaxation. Merle was an avid golfer and a member of Wakonda Country Club for many years, and if you could not find him enjoying the community he had built on the golf course, you could find him relaxing by the pool enjoying junk food and good conversation with friends or complete strangers. His humor and personality were infectious and it was hard not to be immediately drawn to him.
Merle also loved his college sports being an avid Iowa Hawkeyes football fan and Iowa State basketball fan (yes, it is okay to love both teams). He loved his poker nights, and sitting back and enjoying Friday night pizzas and a laugh with friends, but most importantly he loved his family.
Merle is survived by his daughter, Libby Pederson of Des Moines; his father, Leroy Pederson of Grand Forks, North Dakota; his brother, Robin Pederson of Bradenton, Florida; his niece, Karenna Pederson of Tampa, Florida; his close friend we call family, Per Worm; and his close friends that have stood by him throughout this journey of life.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Louise Pederson, and brother, Steve Pederson.
Ceremony of Life announcements will be shared at a later date. In lieu of flowers, we ask that a donation can be made to the Alzheimer's Association at https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate.
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