Mathias Bernard Pazugan Pederson

Mathias Bernard Pazugan Pederson of Nome and Council passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage, surrounded by his family.
Following a fall on an icy sidewalk in Nome in early December 2024, Matt became quadriplegic and faced the remainder of his life with strength, dignity, and the support of those who loved him.
Matt, the second of eight children, was born in Solomon, Alaska, on July 12, 1948, to Steve and Kitty Pederson. He began kindergarten at the Solomon Day School in 1953. When the school closed, the Pederson family moved to Nome in the fall of 1957, where Matt entered the fourth grade and remained through his graduation from Nome High School in 1966.
An exceptional student, Matt excelled in mathematics and science. He possessed a remarkable talent for drawing and art, particularly wildlife. Alongside his brothers, he enjoyed building useful items from wood and metal, especially anything with wheels. He also discovered a love for baking and became well known among family and friends for his delicious apple pies.
Growing up, Matt and his siblings learned the traditional subsistence lifestyle. They trapped small game, set nets, dried fish, picked berries, and, as they grew older, became skilled hunters of both small and large game. These harvests helped provide food for the family and materials for making traditional clothing.
In the spring of 1958, the family moved to Council to work their family-owned gold mine. Because Matt's father had been born at nearby Ophir Creek, it felt like a return home. While working alongside their parents, Matt and his younger brothers learned to repair heavy equipment and machinery. By the age of 12 or 14, Matt was already operating bulldozers and contributing to the mining operation.
As he matured, Matt assumed increasing responsibility for the family business. He often transported the cleanup gold to the bank in Nome, where he gained firsthand experience in the business side of mining. During these trips, he also purchased fuel, machinery parts, equipment, and groceries needed to keep the operation running.
Matt was drafted into the United States Army in 1967. He completed basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington, before attending advanced training at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, where he specialized in the repair and maintenance of military equipment. In April 1969, he deployed to Vietnam, where he faithfully served for one year. Following his tour, he was stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland, until receiving an Honorable Discharge in January 1971.
After returning home, Matt attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks from January 1972 through May 1974. He then returned to Council to continue working at the family gold mine until mining operations ceased in 1984. Throughout his life, he never lost his remarkable ability to diagnose, repair, and rebuild machinery, engines, and equipment. If something was broken, Matt could usually fix it.
Matt was a quiet, dependable man whose family always knew they could count on him. He willingly shared his knowledge, offered practical advice, and was always ready to lend a helping hand. His generosity, humility, and unwavering support touched many lives. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed, but his example, work ethic, and values will continue to live on through those who knew him.
Matt was preceded in death by his parents Steve Pederson of Council and Kitty Jackson Pederson of Noorvik and Council; his infant sister Theresa; and his siblings Isaac, Florence and Ira Pederson.
He is survived by his sisters June Kugelmann (Franz) of Juneau, Annie Bailey of Fairbanks, Theresa Szafran of Anchorage, Evelyn Pederson of Anchorage, and Maureen Pederson (Cliff McHenry) of Nome; his brother Ray Pederson of Nome; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
A memorial service with military honors will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 3 p.m. at the Nome Covenant Church in Nome, Alaska.
A family gathering will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Camp Bendeleben in Council, followed by burial, a time of remembrance, and refreshments.