Evelyn M. Pearson

Evelyn was born Dec. 30, 1930, on the family farm near Alpha. She had fond memories of teasing chickens, chasing cows in the woods, picking too many rocks and taking a weekly sauna with Ma. She has always been quick to smile and laugh; her family called her “Sunshine.”

After graduating in 1948 from the Porter School in Alpha, she received her teaching certificate from Northern Michigan University in 1950. In her first year after college, Evelyn taught second graders in Newberry.

The following year she married Wayne Pearson, and they moved to Racine, Wis. In Racine she taught kindergarten, took a break to raise their children and returned to substitute teaching. Later she transitioned to work as a high school library aide.

Wayne and Evelyn moved to Brookfield, Wis., in 1978. There she enjoyed working with senior citizens as a physical therapy aide until her retirement. In retirement they moved back to the U.P. and built a house on Indian Lake, just a few miles from where they both grew up.

Evelyn loved lake life and found joy living in the woods. She believed in community and was an active volunteer in many organizations, including every Lutheran church where she was a member. Evelyn loved to read, learn and teach. She wrote journals on vacation, goofy poems and sometimes responded in conversation with an ol’ time song or a funny made-up country tune.

She had a quick wit and could turn an awkward situation into a good skit. She was fearless in meeting new people and believed “everyone has a story.” She was a proud Finlander and an unofficial promoter of the “Beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan,” especially to anyone in Minnesota. Most of all she was a loving mother and partner.

She is survived by three children, Dale (Carol) Pearson of Green Bay, Wis., Gene Pearson of Brooklyn Center, Minn., and Diane (Danny Ostrowski) Pearson of Minneapolis; two grandchildren, Peter (Zara Wladawsky) Pearson of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Greta Pearson of Spooner, Wis.; and three great-granddaughters, Lily, Harmony and Melody Scaffidi.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Isaac and Viena (Wierikko) Yoki; her husband of 66 years, Wayne Pearson; and her siblings, Edia Peterson, Helen Pangrazzi, Roy Yoki and Wesley Yoki.

A service will be held Memorial Day weekend 2025 in Crystal Falls, MI. Details will be published closer to the date.

Memorials may be made to the Northern Michigan University Foundation, School of Education, newly established scholarship program for teacher candidates: NMU Foundation, 607 Cohodas Hall, 1401 Presque Isle Ave. Marquette, MI 49855.

Condolences to the family of Evelyn M. (Yoki) Pearson may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net.

The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services with the arrangements.