Bertha "Bert" (Mueller) Pederson

On December 9, 2024, heaven gained a beautiful soul.  Bertha “Bert” (Mueller) Pederson, also lovingly known as Tootie, age 90, of Arlington, lived a full life, and now has been welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior.  Funeral service will be on Saturday, December 21, 2024, 10:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Arlington, MN.  Visitation will be at the church that morning from 8:00 a.m. ~ 10:00 a.m.   Burial to follow at Arlington Public Cemetery, Arlington, MN.  Lunch will follow the burial in church basement.

Bertha Pederson was born to Berthold and Silbena Mueller on December 17, 1933 on the family farm in Bismarck Township near Winthrop. She was baptized by her Grandfather Peter Mueller.  She attended country school and then high school in Winthrop, graduating with the Class of 1951.  Bert continued her education at Gustavus College and Bethesda Nurses Training on her way to becoming a RN.

Along the way, she had a residency at the hospital in Sauk Centre, MN.  As people did in the 50’s, Bert and some girlfriends attended a dance at a nearby ballroom. The story goes that the announcer said to change partners…to which Bert and Mel had their first dance. They were united in marriage on a snowy winter day in February,1955. With Mel's job and education at Luther College, they lived in states such as Kentucky, Missouri, Iowa and ultimately Arlington in 1965. Along the way, Bert and Mel were blessed with 5 children.

Bert was a special lady. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, attending countless events and activities. If invited, Grandma would be there. Bert is also known in the area for helping to deliver numerous babies and tending to patients in her years at the Arlington Municipal Hospital. Working the nightshift was often a social event as area officers stopped by for a coffee break.

Playing cards, bowling, dice, or bingo was a must with family and friends. She was always at the table with the grandkids for a game of Oh Hell or 80 Cents. We just might have received our competitive spirits from her.

Following Mel's death, Bert was fortunate to travel with her siblings and friends. She ventured to Australia, Europe, Alaska, Newfoundland, and Hawaii to name a few. She also loved the Minnesota Twins, which included travelling to multiple MLB parks with dear friends.

Bert was once called Speedy…and not because she was fast. We are confident, she rounded third on December 9 with grace, crossing home plate into the joyful arms of the angels and her Savior.

Bertha is survived by her children Randy (Sharon) Pederson, Barb (Glen) Hardel, Dan (Janelle) Pederson, Jim (Wendy) Pederson, Jan (Matt) Giesen; grandchildren Kristy (Mano), Becky (Eric), Brad (Becky), Bryan (Heather), Andrew (Jenna), Heidi (Khenzer), Amy (Cody), Angie, Brittany, Stacy, Luke, and Megan; 14 great grandchildren; Ben, Evan, Taylor, Tyler, Teagan, Owen, Kamryn, Kylie, Ivy, Kinley, Otto, Sebastian, Archer and Roland.  Siblings Marion, David (Darlene), Karen (Ray), Robert, and Mike (Mary), sister-in-law Mary (Al); many nieces and nephews.

Bertha is preceded in death by her husband Melvin, parents Berthold and Silbena; Father-in-law & Mother-in-law Martin and Louise; sisters Zylpha (Girlie), Vicky; sisters-in-law Lucille, Rosella, Elsie, Betty Ann, Cathy, Bev; brothers-in-law Dave, Paul, Alfred, Clarence, Ira, Joe.

As Dad would say, “Blow us a kiss from across the room.”