Doris Mae Pederson, daughter of Roy and Leora (Parr) Barka, was born July 30, 1931, in rural Augusta. She was raised alongside her two sisters and brother on various farms in the Augusta area.
Doris was baptized and confirmed at the United Brethren Church of Augusta, attended country schools, and graduated from Augusta High School in 1949.
Before her marriage, Doris worked as a clerk at the Farmer’s Store in Fairchild. She was united in marriage to Verlyn “Pete” Pederson on September 18, 1954, at her home church. Following their marriage, the couple moved to Eau Claire, where Doris worked alongside her husband at Johnson’s Printing. She also worked for the Telephone Secretaries in Eau Claire for several years before finding a role she truly loved, working with special needs children through Eau Claire County. Additionally, she delivered the Leader Telegram as a drop-off person to several communities in the area.
Doris will be remembered for her remarkable memory as she was always deeply invested in the person she was speaking with. She opened her home and her heart to family and friends, always up for hours of visiting whether on the phone or in the living room. Doris was the family matriarch offering a shoulder to cry on, a friendly voice, or helpful advice. She was always the go-to person for answers.
Doris was an active member of Trinity Baptist Church in Eau Claire when able to attend services. Family gatherings brought her joy, and she was often the one capturing memories as the family photographer. Doris also had a deep love for cats, providing a warm and caring home for several over the years. She enjoyed reading, especially the Leader Telegram and Guideposts, cover to cover.
Doris was able to live independently in her home until the age of 92. In her final 2 years, she was a resident of Dove Assisted Living in Osseo where the wonderful staff there became yet another extension of her family, often referring to her as Nana. It was at Dove Assisted living that she passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, September 20, 2025, at the age of 94 years, 1 month, and 21 days. Doris’s family is incredibly thankful to the loving care provided by the kind team at Dove Osseo from the beginning of her stay until her last day.
She is survived by her son, Joe (Rochelle) Pederson of Osseo; sister, Darleen Trachsel of Humbird; and several nieces and nephews.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Leora; husband Pete on July 19, 2004; sister Donna (Leonard) Lahn, and her brother Maurice Barka.
Burial will be at a later date in Prairie View Cemetery, rural Chippewa Falls.
Online condolences can be left at www.andersonfhaugusta.com