With faith in God’s promise of eternal life, we announce the passing of our husband, dad, grampa and farfar, Kjell Pedersen, on May 6, 2026, at the age of 82.
Kjell was born in Bergen, Norway on November 26, 1943 to Birger and Konstanse Pedersen and came to Canada with his family in 1954. He settled in Kenora and spent his childhood living on the family farm on the Anderson Road – the property that his children are now caretakers of. As a young man, he was employed at the paper mill while volunteering at the Kenora Fire Department. In 1971, he became a full-time firefighter and retired as a Captain in March of 2000. He also enjoyed his time as a school bus driver on his days off. He was a jack-of all-trades, willing to figure out any problem, fix it up and help out wherever he could. His family has many fond memories of him taking them on family camping trips, coaching their sports teams, fishing, travelling in the motor home and taking them back to Norway to meet his relatives and show them where he grew up.
Kjell’s faith was the foundation of his life, and it shaped the way he lived. He was a member of Lakeside Baptist Church and served in many capacities over the years. His kindness, friendliness, genuine smile, compassion, and gentle spirit showed in everything he did, whether through quietly helping others or in the way he connected with everyone he met. Kjell’s warmth and character are the reasons why he will be so deeply missed by so many.
Kjell is lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Marge; his daughter Tanis (Loren) Giesbrecht, grandchildren Emma (Brandon, great-grandchildren Daycie and Charlotte), Maryse (Nate), Owen and Callie; his daughter Candi (Ole) Hensrud, grandchildren Claire (Derian) and Lyndon; his son Jon (grandchildren Juliana (Jordan), Jari (Lily) and Nils). He is also remembered by his brother Einar, sisters Lisa Lavergne, Torunn McCalder and Linda (Scott) Newman; sister-in-law Terri (Bruce) Francis; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the caring and compassionate staff on 2 East at Lake of the Woods District Hospital and in unit 3 at Pinecrest Home.
Kjell’s Celebration of Life will be held on May 11th, 2026 at 11:00am at Lakeside Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation or Sharewordglobal.com (Gideons).
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16”
