Leo Kjolhede Pedersen, 101, of Alden died Monday, March 4, 2019, at St. John’s Lutheran Community in Albert Lea.

A memorial service will be at  11 a.m. Friday at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Alden. The Rev. Don Malinsky will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church Friday. Military honors will be accorded by the Alden American Legion and Albert Lea veterans organizations. Interment will be at a later date at Carlston Cemetery in rural Alden.

The family prefers memorials to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Alden or St. John’s Lutheran Community Luther Place campus activities department. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells is assisting the family. To leave an online condolence, visit www.brussheitner.com.

Leo was born Dec. 16, 1917, in Newell, Iowa, the son of Johannes and Kirsten (Kjolhede) Pedersen.

Leo was a section sergeant in National Guard Reconnaissance Troop of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division. He enlisted in Co. G. 34th Division on Oct. 16, 1939, and entered into active duty Feb. 10, 1941. Leo was engaged in Tunisia, Naples-Foggia and Rome-Arno campaigns. He was honorably discharged May 19, 1945.

Leo married Eleanor Weirum on Nov. 21, 1947, at First Lutheran Church in Alden.

Leo enjoyed farming, gardening and yardwork. He also liked going to the gym and working out, when he was able. Leo was active in First Lutheran and Redeemer Lutheran churches and participated in two trips with Habitat for Humanity.

Leo is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Eleanor; daughter, Linda Jensen; and brothers Henrik (Ardis), Arnold (Rosie) and Herluf.

He is survived by his daughter, Donna (Darrell) Hill, of Woodbury; son-in-law, Harold Jensen, of Brownsdale; grandsons Scott Jensen of St. Paul, Darrick (JeriLynn Young) Jensen of Minneapolis and Brad (Sarah) Hill of Woodbury; great-granddaughter, Penelope Hill, of Woodbury; sister-in-law, Ruth Pedersen, of Albert Lea; and many nieces and nephews.