Stanley M. Pederson

In Loving Memory of Stanley Meredith Pederson
Celebrating a Life Well Lived

With sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Stanley M. Pederson of Raleigh North Carolina at the age of 86 surrounded by his family. He lived with kindness, dedication, and quiet strength—values he carried forward as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years Lauryn Franzoni Pederson, daughter Meredyth Pederson Cooper (Ryan Cooper) and granddaughter Sydney Kathryn Cooper. Stan is also survived by sons Kirk Bryan Pederson and Mark Bradley Pederson, grandson Colvin W. Pederson, and numerous friends.

Entering a world that was about to offer great change and possibility, Stan was born in Valley City, North Dakota to Frances and Marvin Pederson. From his parents and multi-generational family, he learned the values of hard work, compassion, and integrity. Throughout his life, he embodied these values in every role he took on, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him.

After graduation from the University of Missouri School of Journalism, Stan began his career in radio newswriting before turning his attention to the world of television news. His work included speech writing for the U. S. Army; Assignment Editor for WLWT-TV, Cincinnati; Promotion Manager for WLWI-TV, Indianapolis; Vice President/Director of Broadcasting for WJLA-TV, Washington DC; and President & General Manager of KYTV, Springfield MO. Among his many leading-edge actions, he was among the first to see the potential in “Wheel of Fortune” bringing it to his station with great success.

While Stan earned many accolades and awards during his career, the work he loved the most was as at-home dad to his daughter. Just like his groundbreaking work in television, he also forged a new path for men who wanted to be the primary at-home parent. He was even inducted into the US Junior League chapter in Surrey, England when they needed to diversify their membership base.

Stan’s later years were filled with family, travel, crossword puzzles, ice cream, and, of course, television. Prior to moving to Raleigh, the family resided for 20 blissful years in Lenox MA. Our extended family is grateful for his many years with us and will forever cherish his legacy.

Stan will be buried at Congressional Cemetery on Capitol Hill in Washington DC at 11 am on Monday October 6, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, we ask you to honor Stan’s memory by lending support to your local Hospice organization or to the work of public broadcasting in your area.