Wikipedia

Henry Pedersen Jr.

Henry Frederick Pedersen Jr. (December 16, 1929 – November 10, 2024) was a Republican politician from Nebraska who served as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 4th district from 1965 to 1971.

Henry Pedersen Jr.
Member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 4th district
In office
January 5, 1965 – January 5, 1971
Preceded byGeorge Syas (redistricted)
Succeeded byP. J. Morgan
Personal details
Born(1929-12-16)December 16, 1929
Omaha, Nebraska
DiedNovember 10, 2024(2024-11-10) (aged 94)
Estes Park, Colorado
PartyRepublican
Spouse
Sara Campbell
​
(m. 1955)​
Children2 (Scott, Lisa)
EducationUniversity of Omaha
University of Nebraska
Creighton University School of Law (LL.B.)
OccupationAttorney
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/serviceUnited States Army Reserve
UnitJudge Advocate

Early life

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Pedersen was born in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1929, and graduated from Omaha Central High School.[1] He attended the University of Omaha and the University of Nebraska, ultimately graduating from the Creighton University School of Law with his bachelor of laws degree in 1953.[1][2] Pedersen practiced law in North Platte before returning to Omaha,[3] where he joined the firm of Crossman, Barton and Norris and served as the chairman of the Douglas County Republican Party.[2] Pedersen served in the United States Army Reserve as a Judge Advocate,[1] eventually retiring as a lieutenant colonel.[4]

Nebraska Legislature

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In 1964, Pedersen ran for the state legislature from the redrawn 4th district.[2] Incumbent State Senator Michael Russillo, who represented the previous 9th district, declined to seek re-election.[5] He faced a crowded field of opponents in the nonpartisan primary, and ran against Lawrence Shaw and Richard Dustin, fellow attorneys; salesman Milton Soskin; cosmetologist Woodrow Fleming; and trade school owner George Abdouch.[6] Pedersen placed second in the primary, winning 29 percent of the vote to Shaw's 38 percent,[7] and they advanced to the general election.[8] Pedersen narrowly defeated Shaw, winning the general election with 53 percent of the vote to Shaw's 47 percent.[7][9]

Pedersen ran for re-election in 1966.[10] He was challenged by former State Senator Michael Russillo, attorney Robert Oberbillig, and perennial candidate Thomas O'Connor.[11][12] In the primary election, Russillo placed first, receiving 44 percent of the vote to Pedersen's 38 percent,[13] and they advanced to the general election.[14] Pedersen defeated Russillo, winning his second term, 56–44 percent.[13][15]

Post-legislative career

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In 1969, Pedersen declined to seek re-election, and instead announced that he would run for Lieutenant Governor in 1970.[3] He was defeated by Secretary of State Frank Marsh in the Republican primary in a landslide, winning 29 percent of the vote to Marsh's 62 percent.[16][17] After the primary, conservative Republicans attempted to recruit a candidate to challenge Republican Governor Norbert Tiemann in the general election as an independent, and Pedersen was lobbied to run.[18] However, Pedersen declined to run, and instead endorsed Tiemann, giving him his "wholehearted support" in the general election.[19]

Pedersen and his wife moved to Estes Park, Colorado, in 1973, where he established his legal practice.[20]

Death

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Pedersen died on November 10, 2024.[4]

References

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  1. 1 2 3 Nebraska Blue Book 1968 (PDF). Nebraska Legislative Council. 1969. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 "State Senate Bid By GOP Chairman". South Omaha Sun. December 5, 1963. p. 9-A. Retrieved May 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. 1 2 "Pedersen Entering Race Of Lieutenant Governor". Lincoln Star. August 13, 1969. p. 3. Retrieved May 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. 1 2 "Henry Frederick Pedersen Jr". Dignity Memorial. 2024. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  5. ↑ Wilson, Larry (February 9, 1964). "Want to Be State Senator? Field Open in 8th District". Omaha World-Herald. p. 2-B. Retrieved May 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ↑ "Who's Who in the Nebraska Primary". Evening World-Herald. Omaha, Nebraska. May 2, 1964. p. 14. Retrieved May 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. 1 2 Marsh, Frank (1964). Official Report of the Board of State Canvassers of the State of Nebraska, Primary Election, May 12, 1964, General Election, November 3, 1964 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  8. ↑ "Nomination Won by Five Douglas County Legislators". Omaha World-Herald. May 13, 1964. p. 1. Retrieved May 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ↑ "Thone Loses More Ground". Evening World-Herald. November 13, 1964. p. 8. Retrieved May 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ↑ "Pedersen Again Seeking Election". Evening World-Herald. November 1, 1965. p. 4. Retrieved May 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ↑ "Former Senator Russillo to File". Evening World-Herald. March 3, 1966. p. 6. Retrieved May 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ↑ "Who's Who in the Primary". Sunday World-Herald. Omaha, Nebraska. May 1, 1966. p. 2-B. Retrieved May 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. 1 2 Marsh, Frank (1966). Official Report of the Board of State Canvassers of the State of Nebraska, Primary Election, May 10, 1966, General Election, November 8, 1966 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  14. ↑ "Russillo Bid Leads Field". Omaha World-Herald. May 11, 1966. p. 14. Retrieved May 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ↑ "Miss Reynolds, Bloom Win Legislative Seats". Evening World-Herald. Omaha, Nebraska. November 9, 1966. p. 8. Retrieved May 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ↑ "Marsh, Reagan Winners In Lt. Governor Races". Lincoln Evening Journal. May 13, 1970. p. 49. Retrieved May 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  17. ↑ Marsh, Frank (1970). Official Report of the Board of State Canvassers of the State of Nebraska, Primary Election, May 12, 1970, General Election, November 3, 1970 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  18. ↑ "Irked Republicans May Present Tiemann 'Foe'". Lincoln Evening Journal. May 15, 1970. p. 1. Retrieved May 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  19. ↑ Walton, Don (May 23, 1970). "Pedersen Will Support Tiemann In Campaign". Lincoln Star. p. 3. Retrieved May 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  20. ↑ "Former Senator Is Moving West". Omaha World-Herald. July 31, 1973. p. 6. Retrieved May 10, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
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