Richard "Dick" Gerald Pearson was born on November 7, 1932 in Fountain City, Wisconsin. At the age of two he moved to rural Balsam Lake. He was baptized and became a longtime member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church. In 1950 he graduated from the Balsam Lake High School. Richard entered the United States Army and served during the Korean Conflict where he was awarded the Purple Heart. When his service time was over he returned home and worked as a logger, trapper and operated a bait shop. On April 12, 1958 he was united in marriage to Eleanor Roberta MacClanathan and together they raised eight children. In 1962 he built Pearson's Store in Apple River Township. He operated this gas station and general store for ten years and then embarked on a career as a traveling salesman for Jeffrey's Company which was based in North Carolina. He traveled several states in the Midwest for them and also had merchandise of his own that he sold during his travels, making his last sale just a week ago. He was active in his community and served on the Polk County Board for eight years being elected as a write-in candidate. Richard enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. He was a member of the United VFW Post 6856 in Milltown and the Knights of Columbus. He was currently a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin. Richard died at the Amery Regional Medical Center on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at the age of 80 years. His parents, David and Leona Pearson, preceded him in death. Surviving family members include his wife Eleanor; children: Margaret Marklowitz, David (Sue) Pearson, Keven (Gail) Pearson, Susan (Mike) Thomas, Gerald (Doris) Pearson, Cindy (Mike) Walechka, Lori (Joe) Pesik and Cheryl Pearson; sister: Delores Olson; brother: Francis (Carol) Zepp; 27 grandchildren as well as other relatives and friends.
Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Monday, July 29, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin. There will be a time of visitation on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home and for the hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at the Holy Rosary Cemetery in Georgetown.


Survived by his wife Eleanor; children: Margaret Marklowitz, David (Sue) Pearson, Keven (Gail) Pearson, Susan (Mike) Thomas, Gerald (Doris) Pearson, Cindy (Mike) Walechka, Lori (Joe) Pesik and Cheryl Pearson; sister: Delores Olson; brother: Francis (Carol) Zepp.