Margery Lea Pedersen

Margery Lea Pedersen was born on January 12, 1931 to Irvin and Marian Frost in Spirit Lake, Iowa. She grew up on their farm along with her two brothers, Keith and Elton. Marge graduated from Spirit Lake High School in 1949. While in high school she met her partner in life and love, her beloved husband, Blaine, at the Arnold’s Park roller skating rink. They were married on July 20, 1949.

Marge and Blaine returned to Blaine’s childhood home on the family farm in Terril to start their life together after Blaine left the Air Force. They welcomed their two children, Pam and Scott, not long after. Marge took great pride in making their home a welcoming and beautiful place for family and friends to visit. Pulling into the lane, you were always greeted by the sight of her beautiful flower beds and possibly some roaming chickens that she enjoyed tending to. There were always fresh cut flowers in the house and something delicious waiting for family and friends.

Marge had a keen talent for sewing and made clothes for herself, Pam, and the grandchildren alike. She was always working on something new in her sewing room, and could look out over and supervise everything happening on the farm while she sewed. She was The Sarge after all, a loving nickname given to her by Blaine, as she was truly the matriarch of the family. In her late 60’s, at the request of a granddaughter, she began her quest of becoming a quilter. She made beautiful quilts, table runners, and wall hangings, winning several ribbons for her accomplished work at the Clay County Fair. Each of her grandchildren have been gifted with one of her beautiful quilts over the years, in which she took great delight.

Marge was also quite the musical talent. She had a beautiful singing voice, could play piano and organ, and conduct. She shared her talents with the Methodist Church as a choir director and organist for many years. There was always music in the home, whether it was coming from the record player or from the family gathered around the piano singing Christmas carols. Her love and talent for music was definitely passed down through her children and grandchildren, which she was very proud of.

Marge very much enjoyed her bridge group with dear friends from Terril for over 60 years. She was an avid golf player and succeeded in achieving a hole in one.

Marge and Blaine wintered in Florida for 40 years, and met many wonderful friends in that time. They enjoyed their winters playing golf, playing cards and socializing with friends, and most importantly, spending time with Scott and his family. Marge and Blaine worked diligently as a wonderful team on the farm, and their time off in the winters was a true respite and reward for that devoted work.

Marge and Blaine loved to travel and took many memorable trips over the years including Niagara Falls, NYC and the World’s Fair, Mexico, Alaska, Norway, Germany, and a European river cruise. Perhaps the most special were several trips to Denmark to meet and visit family. Through the years they also loved hosting family from Denmark at the farm and in Florida and introducing them to midwestern farm life.

Marge had a wonderfully full and happy life with her family and especially her ever loving and devoted husband of 77 years, Blaine. Together, they were so proud of the life and legacy they left. There was no one prouder of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren than them. Always apprised of new adventures and accomplishments, they took great delight in supporting, cheering on, and sharing what their loved ones were up to with others.

Margery is survived by her children, Pam (Steve) Galm, of Spirit Lake, Iowa, and Scott Pedersen of Poinciana, Florida; six grandchildren, Jennifer Galm, Amy Shimerdla, Crystal Thomason, Sara Galm, Erik Pedersen, and Eli Pedersen; fifteen great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Margery is preceded in death by her husband, Blaine on November 6, 2026, daughter-in-law, Janine Pedersen, and grandson-in-law, Matt Shimerdla.

You can watch the service by clicking on the link below:

https://youtube.com/live/r1nk6oyf1qc