As per Bishop Folda's recommendation for the Fargo Diocese, the visitation and funeral mass for Maurice has been cancelled.

Maurice A. Pederson, 91, Valley City, ND passed away at the Sheyenne Care Center, March 15, 2020. There will be a time to greet family on Thursday, March 19 from 4-7 PM at the Lerud Mathias Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral mass will be held at 9:30 AM in St. Catherine Catholic Church, Valley City on Friday, March 20. The family appreciates your support at this time, but please keep in mind that public gatherings are to be kept at a minimum (as per regulations set forth while dealing with the Corona Virus nationwide). Burial will be later in the spring at Hillside Cemetery, of which he served on the board for over 30 years.
Maurice Allen Pederson was born to Lloyd and Agnes (Amundson) Pederson on February 14, 1929 in Fargo, ND. In 1941, his family moved to Lake Park, MN and farmed until moving to the Tower City/Oriska, ND area in 1944 where they continued farming. Maurice enjoyed working side by side with his father.
He served in the US Army from 1951-1953, with 16 of those months spent in Korea. After his tour of duty, Maurice went to work as the parts manager of the Valley City branch of the ND State Highway Department. He retired as Shop Foreman in 1994. During his years with the highway department, he continued farming. He participated in DOT rodeos and put on two different schools teaching about shop equipment.
In 1957, he married JoAnn Ellen Lorenz at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Valley City. They made their home in Valley City until moving to a farm near town.
He was a charter member and Past Grand Knight of the St. Catherine Council of the Knights of Columbus. Maurice was a 65 year (and counting) member of the Valley City Eagles Club where he served as auditor for 31 years. He was a life member of both the VFW and American Legion. From 1978-2013, he served as Supervisor and Chairman of Valley Township. He was a weather reporter to Grand Forks. Maurice also enjoyed woodworking and helped people in need whenever he was able.
Maurice is survived by his wife, JoAnn; daughters, Maurine (Ron) Tolstad, Jr. of Bismarck and Christine (Curt) Marshall of Valley City; his granddaughter, Ruby Tolstad. He also leaves behind his extended family and many friends.
The Lerud Mathias Funeral Home is assisting Maurice's family with arrangements. An online tribute page and guestbook can be found at www.lerudschuldt.com