R. Gerald Pedersen was born July 2, 1935 in Valley City, North Dakota. Gerald is the second child of Paul Pedersen and the late Ruth Falstad Pedersen.
Gerald was raised on several farms in the Barnes County area. He received his grade school education at Green Public School and attended high school at Valley City Laboratory School also known as College High. While attending grade school Gerald can recall snow bound winters and going to school in a horse drawn sleigh. Gerald was also a member of the Green 4-H Club and can remember having potatoes for a project.
Presently, Gerald is working for Sorenson Construction of Valley City. One interesting job that Gerald worked on was the renovation of the old American National Bank Building, located on East Main in Valley City.
Gerald is a member of the North Dakota National Guard. On Friday, October 12, 1962, while serving in the National Guard, Sergeants Gerald Pedersen, Howard Kunze and Donald Lindvold fired a 21 gun salute for Ratu Edward T. T. Cakabau (King Edward) of the Fiji Islands. King Edward came to Valley City for the 164 Infantry Division Reunion. The 164 spent time on the Fiji Islands during World War II.
On April 5, 1969, Gerald married Beth Elaine Maim. Beth was born March 6, 1946, she is the daughter of Martin Maim and Esther Nelson Maim of Nortonville, North Dakota. School days were at Nortonville Public School, where Beth attended grade and high school. Moving to Valley City in 1968 Beth became the first teacher aide at the Valley City High School.
Gerald and Beth are presently at home on a farm southwest of Valley City. The former Oliver Dwyer farm, section 13 Green Township.
Two children were born to Gerald and Beth: Lynn Ruth on April 20, 1970, and Steven Robert on February 14, 1972.
Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 191