Soren T. Pedersen

Soren T. Pedersen (01/23/1944 – 09/05/2022)

Soren T. Pedersen’s (STP) battle with Parkinson’s disease ended September 05, 2022. His family is comforted by their faith, knowing he now rests comfortably with Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Soren is survived by his wife of 57 years, Tanya Pedersen, their 3 sons: Jens (JT) Pedersen, Niels Pedersen, Karl Pedersen and their families, including 7 grandchildren, 1 great grandson, and a great grandchild on the way.

Soren’s Grandparents moved to the Detroit area from Denmark in 1913 where they raised their son, Jens T. Pedersen. Jens and his wife Edith, settled in Plymouth, Michigan to raise the second generation of American born Pedersens, Soren T. Pedersen.

Soren met Tanya M. Vukovich while in high school. They fell in love, married and raised the third generation of Pedersens in Plymouth, MI. Soren was a fixture within the community. Served as President of the Kiwanis Club and was a member of the Round Table Club, held in the Mayflower Hotel.

Soren was a real estate broker and founder of STP Realty Co. which he maintained for several decades. He worked at, and eventually retired from Ford Motor Company’s Wixom Assembly plant as a Journeyman Tool & Die Maker.

Soren started his career at Ford’s Saline plant where he completed his apprenticeship. He worked at several factories in Michigan, including Livonia and Plymouth locations.  Soren went back to school to obtain his degree in business from the Detroit College of Business in his forties. He retired from Ford after more than 30 years, ‘turning off the lights’ as the Wixom Assembly Plant closed permanently. His sons have memories of prototype Lincolns coming home during testing, multiple plant tours, and seeing helicopters land as they made urgent part deliveries. His youngest son worked at the plant shortly before its closure on the assembly line at night. The experience impressed upon his son just how well known and love his father was at the plant.

Soren delighted in passing on his knowledge and skills to his sons and any that would listen. He showed his three sons many vital skills used in daily life. How to look at life’s challenges differently than most to find unique and inventive solutions to each. He taught how important it was to fully understand each and every word within a contract. “If it’s not in print, it’s not going to happen.” Above all, Soren taught his sons that honesty and integrity are what make Pedersen a good name. A virtue Soren held near and dear.

During retirement, Soren and Tanya moved from Plymouth, MI to the Fenton, MI. Continuing his pursuit of public service, Soren successfully ran for, and won, a seat on the Board of Trustees in Tyrone Township. He enjoyed his public service greatly. Giving up his public service to move south and live with their youngest son, Karl, was likely the most difficult part of their decision to move. Soren and Tanya relocated to Cedar Park, TX in 2020.

Soren was a steadfast friend and mentor for many salary and hourly workers alike at Ford as well as within his community. Those having had the pleasure of knowing him have described Soren as a gentle soul that cared deeply about all he called friend and family. He recognized no creed or color, treating all people equally.  He taught no bias of any kind to his children. Was the most kind and patient person you would likely ever meet. An eternal socialite, Soren loved a good conversation. He would talk for hours with friends about each other’s kids, grand kids or any other subject of interest. Few people will go as far out of their way to help a stranger as Soren would; and even further for a friend. Soren has been described by many as “…the most honest man I know.” None of his three sons ever recall hearing their father utter a single curse word. There are however, plenty of Soren’isms likely to invoke his memory for many years to come: “That’s Malarky”, “Hogwash”, and “You’d better believe it” to name a few.

Soren will be remembered by many titles: Husband, Father, Dad, Grandfather, Friend, Mentor, Trustee, and “STP” – You will ever be in our hearts as you rest with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Soren T. Pedersen will forever be missed, and never forgotten by those blessed to have known this great man.