Robert Leo Pedersen

Robert Leo Pedersen, longtime Superior resident, died December 17, 2023. He was born the son of Leo and Mary Ann (Schmidt) Pedersen on March 31, 1951 in Pipestone, MN.

Robert “Bob” is an alumnus of Pipestone Senior High School and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN. He furthered his academic pursuits with graduate studies in literature and creative writing at Mankato State University in the 1990s.

Bob's formative years in sales, specializing in farm supply and services, were a natural fit due to his agricultural upbringing and leadership experience with the Future Farmers of America. Transitioning from his initial vocation, Bob embraced his lifelong dream of sailing, becoming a wheelsman for the American Steamship Company on the Great Lakes. His tenure there was marked by the heartfelt correspondence he shared with his three daughters in middle school. Through handwritten letters on legal pads, dispatched by the unique marine post office mailboat, he captured the essence of life aboard a freighter. These letters, chronicling both the routine and the thrilling aspects of Great Lakes navigation, remain a cherished collection for his family.

Bob had a lifelong appreciation for music, often attending outdoor mellow rock concerts. His passion for literature and cinema was only surpassed by his enthusiasm for sharing these interests with others. An avid outdoorsman, Bob's younger years were filled with camping, canoeing, and fishing adventures. This tradition continued as he spent 25 years returning to the same cherished cabin in Gordon, WI, where he forged lifelong memories with his children, grandchildren, and friends. He carried this love into his later years, teaching his grandchildren the joys of the great outdoors. Retirement was spent in the beloved Superior area, where he cultivated a rich circle of friends. A familiar face at Aces, Bob (nicknamed Subby, Sub or Boatman Bob by his former sailing crew) was known for engaging in lively conversations with fellow patrons and friends, recounting tales of his lifelong adventures.

He is survived by his daughters, Jessica Pedersen, McMinnville, OR, Kristin (Toby) Odegard, Savage, MN, Virginia (Alexander) Blosser, Dayton, OR; brother, Les Pedersen, Aurora, CO, two sisters, Mary (Guy) Miley, Fremont, CA, and Laura Skadsen, Pearblossom, CA; and five grandchildren, Morgan Sanchez, St. Paul, MN, Ian Sanchez, Waupaca, WI, Erin Sanchez, Minneapolis, MN, Avery Sokol Blosser, Newberg, OR, and Nikolas Sokol Blosser, Newberg, OR.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo Pedersen and Mary Ann Schmidt; and brother, Douglas Pedersen.

To honor Robert’s memory, a celebration of life will be held in early January in the Superior area. Additional information will be provided in due course.

The Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue in Superior is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.downs-lesage.com.