Russell Clarence Pederson

Russ graduated from Mankato State University in 1961 with a degree in Education. Russ first began his teaching/coaching career in Houston Mn, a small community in southeast Minnesota. He taught woodshop, welding, small engine repair, and even driver education. Russ coached a number of sports in Houston, football, baseball, track, wrestling, and golf at one point. Eventually settling in to football and wrestling where the Hurricanes were extremely competive in an area of the country strong in wrestling tradition.

It only took one visit to San Antonio in the middle of a Minnesota winter to set the family sights on moving to warmer weather! Russ was a woodworking teacher in NorthEast district from 1979-2002. He taught at Eisenhower and Wood middle schools before going to work at his beloved Madison HS. He loves his Mavericks! He had the reputation of getting his students to make some of the most beautiful cabinets, tables, and other pieces. He could get the best out of his students and his athletes. Russ coached almost every sport, but his favorite was that of high school wrestling. He poured his heart and soul into those young men, having great influence, not only on the mat, but in life. Volunteering his time to these young men was what he loved doing! Coach took what was a club sport with only a few wrestlers and turned the Mavs into a force to be reckoned with. Coach and Mrs P, as they were referred to, worked with a small group of people that were on a mission to get high school wrestling to go UIL. It worked! Mom and Dad were each honored for their efforts by being inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. We have heard countless stories of the lives Coach touched. Many of his wrestlers are considered his extended family. He and Sharyl love those wrestlers like their own. They are still “Coach & Mrs P” to many athletes. Many thanks to those who visited him at the care home at a time when we could only stand outside and talk thru the window. It meant the world to both Dad and Mom.

Russ was also active in being the BEST GRANDPA ever. If there was a grandchild to pick up, hold, feed, go see, take somewhere, do something for, he was there. Grandpa dropped whatever he was doing to spend time with his grandchildren. He loved taking the grandkids fishing, or to Sonic, or anywhere else for that matter. He taught his Grandson Mark how to drive. He even taught Granddaughter Lauren how to drive a stickshift while on a test drive of a small vehicle. Brave Man! Paige & Reese think he’s the best babysitter ever! Dad was there for his own children as well! He attended as many Maverick football practices, football games for Blaine and Scott, wrestling matches/tournaments, and volleyball games for Marcia that he could and supported his childrens coaching endeavors to the max.

He loved the visits he would get from all who came to see him. He treasured every moment he could get seeing those he loved. Thank you to all who visited him- family, friends, and wrestlers alike.

Russ was active in attending Concordia Lutheran Church services whether in person or with Sharyl at his side watching online. Russ and Sharyl are blessed to have had regular visits from Pastor Steve Wagner that both Russ and Sharyl truly enjoyed. Thank you Pastor Wagner.

He is preceded in death by his Parents Oscar & Alice Pederson, his brother Keith Pederson, sisters Betty Birdsey, and Joyce Rogness as well as his son Mark Pederson who passed at just 2.5 months old.

He is survived by his wife Sharyl Pederson, Daughter Marcia Pederson Joseph(husband David), Sons Blaine Pederson(wife Monica), and Scott Pederson(wife Jennifer) and all of his Grandchildren: Brandon, Mark(wife Sarah), Lauren, Casey, Ty, Paige, & Reese.

Russ loved his family, immediate and extended, and they love him. Russ knew no strangers. He could talk to anyone and always found the good in people. He is and will forever be deeply missed, but in a better place and healed. We can praise God and be thankful for that.

The family would like to thank Flavius Radu, Karina, and others for the care and compassion they showed Russ over the years and in his final days. The care given Russ over the last few years was truly a blessing.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Service for Russ Pederson at Concordia Lutheran Church at 16801 Huebner Rd SATX 78258 on Wednesday September 27th at Noon(12pm). Celebration Reception to follow the service

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Russ’ honor to St Judes Research , Sleep in Heavenly Peace San Antonio, or Operation Smile.

Thank you for all the love and support that everyone has given our family. We love you dearly.