Donald M. Pederson

Donald M. Pederson, age 84, of Knoxville, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2022, with his wife and son at his side. He was a lifelong Lutheran and member of Messiah Lutheran Church. Don sang in the choir, barbershop quartet, taught Sunday School, served on several committees and three church council terms. Don was born on October 13, 1938, to Alton M. and Alva Wetterling Pederson, in Alexandria, Minnesota. He was raised in Alexandria and Moorhead. Don met Bonnie Nordling at North Dakota State in Fargo, where he earned a B.S. degree in Music Education. They married in June 1962 in Hallock, MN. The couple lived in Oklee, MN, where Don taught public school music. He earned his MA in music education at the University of Northern Colorado, then received his PhD in Music Theory and Composition at the University of Iowa in 1968. Dr. Pederson came to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville as a faculty member in the department of music in 1968. Don served as Chairman of the Music Theory and Composition until his retirement in 2013. He received the honorary title of Professor Emeritus upon retirement. Don’s teaching career spanned nearly fifty years. Don began his musical training at age 5, studying piano, and played saxophone in the school band where Vincent DiNino was the Director of Bands. He moved to Moorhead, MN for his junior and senior years and graduated in 1956. Don played basketball in high school and was on the freshman basketball team at NDSU. He was a member of the NDSU Gold Star Band, Kappa Kappa Psi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, played saxophone, piano and bass in several dance bands, big bands, small jazz ensembles, faculty Jazz-Rock band, UTK Jazz Giants, and was a jazz music arranger. His music interests included gospel, barbershop, choirs, bands, jazz, classical and opera. Don enjoyed playing basketball, bowling, attending UT Basketball and Football games, concerts and recitals. He loved watching his son and grandchildren in their various activities. Don developed the computer lab at his son’s elementary school. He also developed the computer lab in the music department at UT Knoxville and developed the program for Computer-Assisted Instruction. He worked with the Apple Computer Company, traveling to various conferences presenting CAI technology. Don was a resident of Shannondale Healthcare Center, after living a few years in Assisted Living Facilities. Don was chosen for recognition at Shannondale Health Care Center. The family wishes to thank all the caregivers for the excellent care given to Don during this time. Don’s most cherished role was that of being a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was very proud of his family. He possessed a keen mind. Don was a student, scholar, teacher, mentor, musician, technologist, colleague, friend, and was a person of vision. Don was predeceased by his parents and several family members. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bonnie Nordling Pederson; son, Scott (Amanda) Donald Pederson, Hendersonville, TN, grandchildren, Taylor and Madeline Pederson, sister, Arlene Pederson Pluth, Phoenix, AZ, and several nieces, nephews, cousins. Memorials may be given to: Messiah Lutheran Church Music Fund, in memory of Donald Pederson, 6900 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 OR University of TN School of Music General Scholarship Fund, in memory of Dr. Donald M. Pederson, 1741 Volunteer Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37916. The Funeral will be held Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at 2 pm at Messiah Lutheran Church, 6900 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919 web: www.messiahknoxville.org. Officiants: The Reverend Susan Thisell and The Reverend David Bradford. Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium. Receiving of friends and refreshments will be in the fellowship hall after the service. Online condolences may be extended at www.rosefuneralandcremation.com.

Tributes

Donald M. Pederson

October 13, 1938 - November 18, 2022