In Memory
Elaine M. (Kirch) Pedersen
June 21, 1943 ~ December 23, 2015 (age 72)
Elaine M. Pedersen, 72 , residing in South Bend, passed away at 1:10 p.m. Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at her home. She was born June 21, 1943 in South Bend, the daughter of the late Albert and Gladys (Hefner) Kirch, and has remained a lifelong resident. On August 1, 1965 at Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren, South Bend, she was united in marriage to Paul H. Pedersen, who survives. Paul and Elaine recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their family.
In addition to her husband Paul, she is survived by four sons; Eric (and Michelle) Pedersen of Grafton, WI; and their children, Jake, Ava and Clare; Robert (and Angela) Pedersen of Brooklyn, MI; and their children, Ethan, Katlyn and Anthony; Marc (and Tricia) Pedersen of Dallas, GA; and their daughter, Sophia; and Mike (and Lisa) Pedersen of Fishers, IN; and their daughter Grace. She is also survived by her brother, George (and Karen) Kirch of Madison, WI; and their son, Scott (Jen) Kirch of Milwaukee, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Elaine graduated from James Whitcomb Riley High School and Manchester College, where she met her husband, Paul. She taught kindergarten at Rolling Prairie Elementary. She was a stay-at-home mother for 15 years and retired from the University of Notre Dame as an event coordinator and catering manager in 2006. She continued to be employed at the University of Notre Dame until March, 2015.
Elaine enjoyed young children and taught preschool at Evangel Heights United Methodist Church (PDO) and Sunday School at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ. She had many friends connected through her work at the University of Notre Dame and her teaching. Elaine cherished her time each year at Sister Lakes with her family. She loved to spend time outdoors in her beautiful flower garden, where she would watch the birds and read a book.
Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 28, 2015 at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, 915 N. Ironwood Drive, South Bend. Rev. David Schrader will officiate. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 27, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, and one hour prior to services Monday at the Church.
Contributions in memory of Elaine may be made to the Humane Society of St. Joseph County, 2506 Grape Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Online condolences to the Pedersen family may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
djb 05.09.2019
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