Craig Allen Pedersen

Craig Allen Pedersen, 64, of Lawton, Iowa, died Thursday, June 19, 2025, at his home after a short battle with cancer.

Funeral service will be 10: 30 a.m. Tuesday, June 24 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sioux City, IA with Rev. Bruce Jackson and Rev David N. Zirpel officating. Visitation with family present will be Monday June 23, 2025 from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at the Kingsley Funeral Home & Monument in Kingsley, Iowa. Visitation will resume 9:30-10:15 a.m. on Tuesday at the church. wwwkingsleyfh.com

Craig was born on October 25, 1960, in Sioux City to LeRoy Alfred and Yvonne June (Horsley) Pedersen. He lived in several locations growing up, including Climbing Hill, Cedar Rapids, and Sioux City. Craig graduated from Sioux City East High School in 1979. He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. On October 8, 1988, Craig married Susan Elizabeth Harman at the Kingsley United Methodist Church. They made their home in rural Moville and Lawton, where they raised two sons, Brad and Noah. Craig worked at IBP, Cargill Nutrena Feeds, and Day’s Door.

Craig had a passion for wrestling, from his own high school state tournament appearance to the many kids he coached and mentored through the years. His opening line was often “Do you want to wrestle?”, and his nieces and nephews, and grandchildren often took him up on his offer. Craig trained and successfully competed with many coon dogs. He also was a taxidermist and created many beautiful mounts. Craig had a strong faith and shared it with anyone willing to receive it. Craig introduced many people to the skills of hunting, fishing, and living with integrity, sharing lessons on patience, respect for nature, and being a good person. He had a special bond with his nephew Jason; from childhood to adulthood their time together was filled with stories, laughter, and profound wisdom that created a unique, enduring connection between them.

Survivors include his wife, Susan, his children Brad (Tiffany) Pedersen and Noah Pedersen, as well as his grandchildren Jacen and Elliot Pedersen. He is survived by his mother, Yvonne Pedersen, and his siblings Christy Newman and Curtis Pedersen. Craig is also survived by his parents-in-law Marsha Harman and Joanne and Larry Day as well as Susan’s sisters Sandy (Brent) Reinking, Heather (Chris) Nissen, Holly Harman, and Heidi (Casey) Jacobsen. He is survived by fifteen nieces and nephews and three great-nieces all of whom he loved.

Craig was preceded in death by his father LeRoy Pedersen, brother Clint Pedersen, grandparents Paul and Goldie (Gordon) Pedersen and Howard and Viola (Frerichs) Horsley, and his father-in-law Mike Harman.

Casket bearers will be Jason Newman, Jesse Newman, Josh Pedersen, Chris Bowder, Irv Martin and Joe Shortenhaus.