John "Roland" Pearson

1938 - 2025

John "Roland" Pearson

May 12, 1938 - Feb 14, 2025

John "Roland" Pearson passed away on February 14, 2025. He was born May 12, 1938 in Laporte, IN to the late Chester and Myrtle (Gartman) Pearson.

Roland lived most of his life in the Chesterton area. He grew up on his great grandparent's farm, two miles north of Chesterton on Highway 49 until 1971. Some of that farm is now in the National Park. Mr. Pearson's first employment was by his uncle A.W. Pearson, contractor, the builder of bowstring trusses and glued laminated beams in Chesterton. He was also previously employed by William J. Burns Detective Agency in Michigan City as plant protection supervisor. Roland also worked at the Chrysler Corporation in Belvedere, IL assembly plant in chassey and the inspection department at UAW Local 1268. Roland retired in July of 2000 after 30 years of service from the Ford Motor Company, Chicago Assembly Plant, UAW Local 551 in the trim department.

He was a member of the National Fire Protection Association, Duneland Historical Society, Hudson Campbell Sports and Fitness Center in Gary, Duneland YMCA in Chesterton, and the Moose Lodge 1623 in Chesterton. He also served on several committees and attended Lay Speakers Classes.

He was previously an associate member of the First United Methodist Church Chicago Temple in Chicago, IL. While visiting a friend in New York many years ago, he helped usher at St. Patrick's Cathedral at an Easter Service in New York City. He became aware that we are all Christians and no matter what denomination we are one in the eyes of the Lord. A special thank you to the Christian Ministry ladies who came to see and pray with him weekly.

In his teenage years Roland enjoyed going to summer camp at West Lafayette Battleground. He attended the Calumet Broadcasting school in Gary, IN and received a restricted radio telephone operator's permit in 1959. This license is no longer issued. Roland also worked on a habitat for humanity house on Chicago's north side.

He is survived by his lifelong family friend, Ann Moodie and her family. Preceded in death by his cousins, Phylis Garman Peterson, Wayne Gartman, Grace Soliday, Olive Edman, John Edman, Anita Kemper, Lester Brown and Sandy and Vic Ola; aunt, Millie Pearson.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, February 21, 2025 at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, 517 Broadway, Chesterton, IN with Father Paul Quanz officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday from 11:00am until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at a later date at Chesterton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 356 W. 700 N., Valparaiso, IN 46385. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.ee-fh.com.