Iola "Tony" Pedersen

Iola (Tony) Pedersen 92

Loving Mother, Grandma and Friend

Iola C. (Tony) Pedersen was born September 16, 1928 in Ashby, NE to Lee and Ruth (Overman) VanHorn.  In Tony’s early years she attended grade school in Merna, NE and later attended high school in Broken Bow, NE. While working at the Bow Inn Café Tony met Pete Pedersen and were later married on October 6, 1947.  To this union four children were born, Dennis, Stephen, Connie, and Bonnie.  Tony worked many years in various cafés as a cook. Tony was a wonderful cook and her family truly enjoyed the meals she would prepare. Tony then worked at Becton Dickinson where she retired after 25 years in 1994.

Tony truly enjoyed watching her grandchildren participating in their school sports and activities, and also loved to watch sports especially Husker football and even would get caught watching some golf when Tiger Woods was playing!  Tony was a member of a very special group of ladies, The Birthday Club, which lasted more than 65 years.  On Wednesday nights Tony always looked forward to playing bingo at the Elks Club.

Tony was a very kind hearted, loving soul and loved her family and friends.  Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Stephen (Kim) Pedersen of Broken Bow, NE, Daughter Bonnie (Roger) Childers of Ansley, NE, Daughter-in-law Sandra Pedersen, Toccoa, GA.  Grandchildren Helena (Jonathan) Stewart Toccoa, GA, Stacy (Dan) Strauss, Lexington, NE, Lacy (Chad) Gracey, Omaha, NE, Steve (Nikki) Pedersen, Lincoln, NE, Jason Pedersen, Thornton, CO, Nick Lewandowski, Kearney, NE and Luke (Tracy Saner) Lewandowski, Broken Bow, NE. Twelve great grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and four step-great grandchildren and dear friend of nearly 60 years Glenda Bauer of Kearney, NE.

Tony is proceeded in death by her parents, husband Pete in 2010, Son, Dennis in 2015, daughter, Connie Rae in 1962, three brothers, Ernest, Lyle (Bud) and Bob VanHorn.

Iola (Tony) passed away on November 6, 2020 at the Callaway District Hospital in Callaway, NE.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday November 11, 2020 at 10:30 AM at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow with Pastor Doug Saner officiating.  Burial will be in the Broken Bow Cemetery.  A visitation will be held on Tuesday November 10, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM with the family greeting friends 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at Govier Brothers.  The services will be live streamed at www.govierbrothers.com .  Words of encouragement or remembrance may be left at the funeral home website, www.govierbrothers.com 

Memorials are suggested to the Broken Bow VFW Post # 3576.

Govier Brothers Mortuary will comply with the CDC and State of Nebraska. Govier Brothers Mortuary sincerely encourages each person to make your decision whether to attend based on the best interest of your health and that of your community.