John Charles Pedersen

Charles Pedersen, age 91, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on Friday, March 29, 2019. He was born on July 28, 1927 in Omaha, Nebraska to Henry Pedersen and Jesse Gough Pedersen. Charles is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughter, Dana Reilly and husband Patrick; son, Bruce Pedersen; brother, Hank Pedersen and his wife Sara and their children, Scott and Lisa; and grandchildren, David Rascon and his wife Sarah, Jonathan Rascon, and Dustin Rascon. Charles delighted in spending time with his great-grandchildren, David and Sarah’s children, Matthew, Madeline, and Michael Rascon. Michael is named after his great-grandfather, sharing his middle name.

Charles served as a Pastor in the Episcopal Church beginning in 1953. He attended Doane College and the University of Nebraska, followed by Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in Chicago. His ministry began as Pastor in a mission church in Ogalala, Nebraska, moving to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Denver, Colorado, Grace Episcopal Church in Vernon, Texas, and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Amarillo, Texas. He continued his work as a Campus Minister at West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas and at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Charles then became Pastor at St. Matthew’s in Newton, Kansas, and his work culminated at Christ Church in Overland Park, Kansas. At Christ Church, Charles and Sharon dedicated themselves to diverse programs and ministries as well as work in Haiti. In Haiti, Christ Church’s work included immunizations for children and building a school. He retired in 1990, and he and Sharon moved to Albuquerque, NM to be with family. During those years of ministry in West Texas, Charles and family often vacationed in New Mexico. They camped in the Sangre de Christo Mountains, then enjoyed Santa Fe art, cuisine, and the opera. The Pecos Wilderness was one of Charles’ favorite places.

Charles, known as Father Charles to many, most recently loved his work in the Food Pantry at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church. Father Charles also offered his time serving the homeless and hungry at St. Martin’s Hospitality Center in Albuquerque (now known as St. Martin’s HopeWorks).

Charles cherished Sharon, his wife of 65 years. They were married in Valentine, Nebraska on February 8, 1954. She partnered with him in his ministry and their shared life with great love and devotion. Charles loved his family and was a thoughtful and kind man. He wrote poems, sermons in the style of parables, and wonderful children’s stories. Charles was an environmentalist and loved the outdoors, especially camping and hiking. While growing up, Charles enjoyed times in the Snowy Range of Wyoming with his mother, father, and brother. He supported the Audubon Society and Sierra Club throughout his life. He cared for all creation, knowing that even the death of a sparrow was to be keenly felt.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, April 12, 2019, 1:00 p.m., at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 601 Montano NW, in Albuquerque, NM. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Park.