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Sam Pedersen, 70

Sam Pedersen, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, passed away on May 22, 2019, after a year-long battle with cancer. A celebration of Sam’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 16, 2019, at North Country Chapel, 2281 W. Seltice Way, Post Falls, Idaho, followed by a reception in the coffee shop.

Sam was born in Askov, Minn., on Nov. 6, 1948, to Chris Pedersen and Agnes Lunde Pedersen. He graduated from Askov High School in 1966 and attended electronics classes in Duluth the following year. He completed an A.S. degree in electronics from Northwest Electronics Institute, in Minneapolis, after serving his country in the U.S. Air Force for four years during the Vietnam War. He worked in the electronics industry for 50 years, most recently at Infinite Electronics (formerly Transtector), in Hayden, Idaho.

He met and married his wife Ava Sutton Edwards in 1973, while stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base near Great Falls, Mont. He wrapped his loving arms around Windy and Michael Edwards, Ava’s two children, and raised them as his own. Their son, Chris Pedersen, was born into the family in 1975.

Sam is survived by his wife, Ava; daughter, Windy Carlson, and husband, Jeff; son, Michael Edwards, and wife, Jing; son, Chris Pedersen, and wife, Vai; grandchildren, Lindsay and Landon Carlson, Alexander Edwards and Lekea Pedersen; and brothers, LeRoy and Jack Clausen and sister, Margie Clausen Dubois. He was preceded in death by a brother, Edward Clausen, and sister, Bette Clausen Danielson.

Sam is best remembered by all who knew him as a devout man of God who loved the Bible and taught it — line by line and verse by verse — in small groups for nearly 20 years. He was seen as a kind spirited man, always willing to help anyone. He was also known for his smile, spontaneous sense of humor and one-liners.

Sam’s passion was woodworking, and he looked forward to retirement with a week of Saturdays to pursue his passion. He also enjoyed camping and spending time with family and friends.

Sam’s family would like to extend their sincere thanks to all who contributed selflessly during this past year in so many ways. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations you are inspired to give be directed to North Country Chapel Ministries, 2281 W. Seltice Way, Post Falls, ID 83815 or Hospice of North Idaho, 2290 W. Prairie Avenue, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815.