Richard Harold Pearson

Richard Harold Pearson, age 91, passed away on January 31, 2026, in Auburn, Washington. He was a beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and friend.

Born in 1934 in Lake City, Minnesota to his loving parents, Harold and Louise Pearson, Richard was also welcomed by his sister, Marilyn. Richard was the grandson of former Lake City mayor Charles J. Pearson. The family moved to Robbinsdale, MN when Richard was very young. Growing up, he enjoyed playing football, track and field, and spending time on his grandparents' farm in Iowa.

Richard graduated from Robbinsdale High School in 1952. He joined the Minnesota National Guard, followed by his induction into the U.S. Army. Richard continued serving in the Army National Guard and Air National Guard in Minnesota, Washington, and Alaska, accumulating over 30 years in the armed services.

During his tour of duty based in Karlsruhe, Germany, Richard worked with his unit to re-establish communications throughout the region in the aftermath of World War II. While in Europe, he also got to visit family in Sweden and Norway. After mustering out, he studied German language at the University of Minnesota, earning an Associate of Arts degree. Motivated by a desire to help others, he spent his entire career in public service. In addition, he served as a volunteer firefighter in Robbinsdale.

An accomplished musician, Richard, along with his cousin Donald Lunning, sang and played banjo with the Levee Loungers in the early 1960s. This popular Minnesota banjo band drew large, fun-loving crowds at Diamond Jim's in Mendota and the Golden Garter in St. Paul.

Richard Pearson married Susan Peterson of Stillwater, Minnesota in 1963. They soon welcomed four children, and the family moved west to Washington and Alaska.

Mr. Pearson retired in 2000 and spent winters at El Centro Naval Air Base in southern California, having fun working out with the active duty crowd, getting to know other veterans, and watching the Blue Angels practice. In addition, he enjoyed traveling with family to Germany, Switzerland, Spain and the Normandy region of France.

More than anything else, Richard cherished spending time with family. When grandbabies arrived, he was over the moon. He was a proud Grampa and was happily involved in his grandchildren's lives as much as possible.

We thank God for blessing us with such a wonderful, loving father and grandfather for so long. We celebrate his well-lived, love-filled life, and all that he taught us.

Richard is survived by his children: Mark, Elizabeth (Jim), David (Heidi), and Christina (Jim); his five grandchildren, former wife Sue, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Louise Pearson, sister Marilyn Menth, and nephew John Menth.

Mr. Pearson's family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff and community at Wesley Lea Hill in Auburn and Wesley Home Care and the care providers at Franciscan Hospice for their outstanding, compassionate care and unwavering kindness.