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AURORA, Wis. -- Gary Pearson Sr., 65, of Aurora, passed away on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at his home.
Gary was born on July 21, 1958, in Iron Mountain, to parents Arnold and Laverne (Peterson) Pearson. Gary grew up in Aurora and graduated from Florence High School in 1976. Gary married his wife of 19 years on Oct. 16, 2004, and they spent 21 years together.
Gary was a man of all trades and was a strong believer of working hard to provide a stable life for his family and himself. His work ethic was superior, and he demonstrated that in many jobs over the years. Gary did auto body repair, owned his own semi for a few years, was a welder, a logger, an auto mechanic, a carpenter, and an excellent heavy equipment operator and excavator. Many friends reached out to Gary for help on jobs, and he was always willing to help when they needed him. After 25 years he retired from Operating Engineers Local 139 Union at the age of 55. Retirement didn't stop Gary; he continued to do what he loved.
Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, taking ATV rides, camping over the years, putzing in the garage and working on projects, or simply taking a drive on a beautiful day. He was an amazing father to his children. He spent much of his time teaching them life skills, making sure they were taken care of, and was so very proud of what each one of them had accomplished thus far. His family was his number one. We are all better people because of him.
Gary is survived by his wife, Jodi (Hayes) Pearson; his children, Gary Pearson Jr., of Seymour, Wis., Matthew Pearson of Eldorado, Wis., Bailey Pearson of Aurora, and Mackenzie (Ethan) Metras of Kingsford.
He is further survived by three grandchildren, Matthew, Brynlee and Elsie; his siblings, Clark Pearson of Kewaskum, Wis., twin sister, Gail (Bill) Gibson of Butte, Mont., Vernell Neu of Pleasant Prairie, Wis., Elvera Friars of Vashon Island, Wash., and Nancy (Albert) Kearns of Kent, Wash.; his mother-in-law, Darlene Hayes of Crystal Falls; nieces, nephews, extended family and many close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Laverne Pearson; special cousin, Rodger Pearson; brothers-in-law, John Friars and Gilbert Neu; father-in-law, Mike Hayes; and mother-in-law, Linda Chapman.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home, 901 Carpenter Avenue in Iron Mountain.
Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. at the funeral home.
The burial will be in the Homestead-Aurora Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed to the family of Gary Pearson Sr. online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.
The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.