Ronald Hugh Pedersen

Ronald Hugh Pedersen passed away quietly in his home on December 21, 2019 at the age of 91. Born in Salt Lake City on April 11, 1928, Ronald moved his family to Idaho Falls in 1953 and established a successful retail business, Ronsons (formerly State Hardware), and retired in 2006. His wife preceded him in death in 2009. He is survived by their seven children, Rhonda (Troy) Belka, Debbie (Clark) Vanderniet, Kris (Colleen [deceased]) Pedersen, Richard (Deanna) Pedersen, Jana (Tony) Malovich, Lisa (Joe) Cawley, and Ryan (Tami) Pedersen, as well as 27 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Ronald Pedersen was the fourth child of six, born to Edward Pedersen and Eva Beatrice Lloyd Pedersen of Bountiful, Utah on April 11, 1928. His father was a successful businessman, and also owned a large peach orchard where his children learned about work, discipline, and economics. Ronald graduated from Davis High School, then attended University of Utah, where he received a BS degree in marketing. He married Fontella Nickle on November 16, 1949 and they had seven children. All of them married and had children, resulting in a total of 27 grandchildren. Fontella passed in 2009. Daughter-in-law, Colleen, also preceded him in death in 2019.

At first they made their home in Salt Lake City, Utah; then Pocatello, Idaho and Denver, Colorado before settling in Idaho Falls in 1953. Ronald opened State Hardware store on Broadway, a successful retail establishment that sold paint, wallpaper, hardware, and toys. He eventually changed the name to Ronsons, and added skis and ski gear, bikes, skateboards, and other sporting goods. He retired in 2006.

An active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Ronald served in many capacities including Gospel Doctrine teacher. His favorite pastime was reading; he was very well-read and an astute observer of politics and business trends. He kept his finger on the pulse of political, economic, and current events. He enjoyed skiing and occasionally played golf. He was well-traveled; he visited Japan, China, South America, Central American, and most of Europe. For many years he traveled annually to New York City to attend the American International Toy Fair, where retail stores including large chain stores from across the country came to buy toys for the upcoming year.

Ronald was a highly intelligent man with an amazing sense of humor. He will be remembered by the community as a successful businessman who loved Idaho Falls and was active in the community. He will be remembered lovingly by his family as a man of honor and integrity who taught those values by example, and worked hard to provide for his family and give them every opportunity for happiness and success.

A viewing is scheduled on Thursday, January 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Buck Miller Hann Funeral Home, 825 E. 17th Street, Idaho Falls, Idaho.

The funeral service will be held at Butler 4th Ward LDS chapel in Cottonwood Heights, Utah (6634 S. Greenfield Way) on Saturday January 4th at 11 a.m. A viewing will precede the funeral at 10 a.m.

Service Details.

Visitation

When: Thursday, January 2nd, 2020 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Buck Miller Hann
Address: 825 E. 17 Street Idaho Falls, Idaho

Second Visitation

When: Saturday, January 4th, 2020 10:00am - 10:45am Notes

Funeral

Service

When: Saturday, January 4th, 2020 11:00am
Location: Butler 4th Ward LDS Chapel in Cottonwood Heights
Address: 6634 S. Greenfield Way Cottonwood Heights, Utah 84121

Interment

Saturday, January 4th, 2020 | 2:00pm
When: Saturday, January 4th, 2020 2:00pm
Location: Bountiful City Cemetery
Address: 2224 South 200 West Bountiful, Utah 84010