Elmer died unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, December 2, 2010, at the age of 86. Funeral service was at 1:00 PM, Monday, December 6, at Providence Valley Lutheran Church with Pastor Cheryl Matthews officiating; son, Bob gave a personal eulogy; vocalist, Dean Pearson accompanied on piano by wife, Joyce, sang "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere" and "Children of the Heavenly Father" (in Swedish); and organist, Arlys Swenson accompanied the singing of "When Peace Like A River" and "Silent Night." Wilford Fredlund, Gordon Lundgren, Charles Pearson, Richard Pollei and Leon Werner were honorary casketbearers and the active ere Brian Bothun, Craig De Boer, Mark Koptizke, Andrew Pehrson, Chad Schultz and Andy Wagner. Interment was in the church cemetery. Visitation was on Sunday, December 5, from 2-4 PM with a prayer service at 4 PM. Elmer Arnold Pehrson was born September 19, 1924, in Providence Township, rural Dawson, to parents, Hans and Sigrid (Carlson)Pehrson. He was baptized and confirmed at Providence Valley Lutheran Church. He completed 8th grade in rural District 37, and then worked on his parent's farm in Providence Township. He took over the family farm in the early fifty's and retired in 1991. Elmer was married to Dawn Otten on April 2, 1955, at Providence Valley Lutheran Church. Their marriage was blessed with two sons: Robert and James. He enjoyed their travels to Sweden to visit relatives. Elmer and Dawn opened The Swedish Inn restaurant in July of 1995, and operated it for 12 years. He enjoyed shaking dice with many friends and customers. After the new owners took over the restaurant, they enjoyed many bus tours and making new friends. After retirement, he enjoyed spending time on the farm, when he would pack a lunch and go "help the boys". Elmer passed away at their home early Thursday morning, December 2, 2010, at the age of 86 years old. He is survived by his wife, Dawn; two sons: Robert (Sandra) Pehrson and James (Lori) Pehrson; one grandson, Andrew Pehrson of Dawson; six granddaughters: Allison (Craig) DeBoer of Milbank, SD, Amanda (Mark) Kopitzke of Clarkfield, Chelsey Pehrson of Dawson, Maggie (Brian) Bothun of Dawson, April (Chad) Schultz of Montivideo, and Amy Pehrson special friend, Andrew Wagner) of Mankato; seven great-grandchildren: Kerissa, Emma and Lucas DeBoer, Trenten and Tanner Kopitzke, Parker Bothun, and Madilyn Schultz; two cousins: Lucille Williams of Kansas City, MO, and Violet Tweeter of Staples. Preceding him in death were his parents, Hans & Sigrid; half brother, Carl Carlson; and special cousin, Lloyd Q. Larson. Blessed be his memory.