Benard Christian "Pete" Pederson, Jr., 60

Ben was born January 19, 1954, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, to Ben C. Pederson, Sr,. and Lavada "Spud" Pederson. Ben attended Coeur d'Alene High School, and earned an Associate's Degree from North Idaho College in automobile mechanics and millwright training.

In the summer of 1971 when Ben was 17, he met 15-year-old Cathy Frederick. Five years later they were married on New Year's Eve. After college, Ben and Cathy took the road working for North American Vanlines out of Fort Wane, Idaho, and traveled all over the United States in their semi truck. Ben also drove for Sammons Trucking out of Missoula, Mont., and System Transport out of Spokane, Wash., with Cathy driving alongside him for the last 10 years on the road. Gone for months at a time and not wanting to be apart, Ben and Cathy took their first two daughters along with them up until school started in 1989.

In 1991, Ben started working at Central Pre-Mix and transferred to Interstate Concrete a few years ago.

Ben had many hobbies - from mechanics, to woodworking, to raising swine with the girls for 4-H. He could fix anything, and became known by his family as "Mr. Fix It." Ben also enjoyed camping at their property, gardening, being outdoors, reading, learning how to use a computer, welding, and working on his restored '54 Chevy truck. He was interested in trees, and enjoyed planting them and taking care of them. Ben loved music, and if the right song came on you'd catch him dancing and singing along. He also loved animals all his life, and always brought pets home when he was little. He was willing to lend a hand with anything and helped many people with projects.

Beloved husband and best friend for 37 years to Cathy, together they raised three daughters: Angela, Jennifer and Melissa Pederson. Ben was a hard worker and an honest man with good morals. He was full of wisdom and gave great advice.

Family was so important to Ben, and he was always there for everyone. Please join us in celebrating Ben's life at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 24, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel. A reception will follow at Trinity Lutheran Church. Please visit Ben’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com