"Wally's death still makes me sad and I know it was such a surprise. I remember the trips we made between MO and MI to see each other, particularly the ones when the Pearsons would come for Thanksgiving. Good memories of a really good guy. He'll be missed. I know this continues to be hard for all of you, but hang in there. I'll talk with you soon."
In loving memory of
WALLACE G. PEARSON, SR., MD.
May 30, 1931 - October 15, 2011
Wallace George Pearson, Sr., M.D., age 80, of Marquette, MI, died unexpectedly, but peacefully at home on Saturday, October 15, 2011. Born May 30, 1931 in Kirksville, MO, Wallace was the son of Wallace Miles Pearson, D.O. and Ethel Blanche (Newman) Pearson, D.O. He was an only child. In 1949, Wallace graduated from J. W. Sexton High School in Lansing, MI where he was a drum major in the marching band. He received a Bachelor of Science degree, completed medical school, and a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology -- all at his beloved University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
After residency, he was commissioned a captain in the US Air Force and was stationed at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in Marquette, MI where he helped establish an Obstetrics and Gynecology department. After leaving active duty in 1963, he spent the next 31 years practicing obstetrics and gynecology in Marquette and during the course of his career, delivered 3800 children. His patients, fellow physicians, and the community at large recognized and appreciated his unwavering commitment to providing quality health care for women.
He served as Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Marquette General Hospital for twenty-four years and was the president of the Norman F. Miller Gynecological Society. He was a formative member of the Marquette Medical Center and the regional chapter of Planned Parenthood as well as its volunteer medical director for 20 years. In recognition of his contribution to womens health, he received the Alan D. Guttmacher Medallion and the Martha Hatch Distinguished Science Award from Planned Parenthood.
In 1970, Wallace joined Marquette Rotary Club and enjoyed many years of association with this service group. Wallace was selected as a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, served as District Governor from 1996-1997, and happily participated in the annual Seafood Fest fundraiser and the Rotary student exchange program.
In his younger years, Wallace enjoyed sailing on the Bright Star, tennis, alpine skiing, photography, and hosting family gatherings at Middle Island Point. Most recently, he cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren, his loving companion, Betty Woods, and his many dear friends.
He is survived by his six children Kathryn (Barrett) Ludlow of Petoskey, MI, Pamela (Joseph) McGraw of Traverse City, MI, Wallace George II, M.D. (Carrie) of Marquette, Brooke (Timothy) Spratto of Yorktown, VA, Brett Pearson of Denver, CO, and Cynthia (Timothy) Hein of Camas, WA and twelve grandchildren Caitlin and Camden Ludlow, Ian and Connor McGraw, Miles, Emmet and Madison Spratto, Taylor, Elle and Sierra Pearson, and Zachary and Riley Hein. Wallace was preceded in death by his parents and second wife, Sandra Jean (Wheeler), in 2008.
Visitation with the family will be held Sunday, October 23, 2011 at Canale Tonella Funeral Home in Marquette from 2-5pm. A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 24 at Messiah Lutheran Church in Marquette at 11:00am. with the Rev. David VanKley officiating.
Pallbearers are Brett Pearson, Joseph McGraw, Barrett Ludlow, Camden Ludlow, Ian McGraw, Connor McGraw, Miles Spratto and Emmet Spratto. Honorary pallbearers are Brian Claus, Frank Allen, Chris Wilkinson, Timothy Spratto, and Timothy Hein.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Dr. Pearson to the F. Wallace and Janet Jeffries Professorship (Jeffries Professorship) in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Michigan (check should be made payable to the University of Michigan) and mailed to Jennifer Edwards, University of Michigan Office of Medical Development, 1000 Oakbrook, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-6815 or to Planned Parenthood of West and Northern Michigan, 1219 N. Third Street, Marquette, MI, 49855.
For inquiries, please contact Canale Tonella Funeral Home at (906) 226-2711, 526 North Third Street, Marquette, MI, 49855. Condolences and special memories may be shared at www.canalefuneral.com
Tributes
"Dear Family of Wallace Pearson: Dr. Pearson was my doctor from 1968 until his retirement. He was a wonderful doctor, one that I trusted completely. He delivered my son and was always honest and upfront. I am so sorry for your loss....may all the memories help you through this difficult time. He will be remembered and missed by so many. God bless you all. Nona L. (Peterson) Hornung"
"Dear Pearson Family, Wallace was my Godfather and the last living relative of my Dad's (Dick McKenzie) that I knew. I'm saddened to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"To Wally's family... Wally was a Great part of our lives... babies, boating, Rotery and loving all of us. Enjoy all of the joy he left and continues to pass out. This was a wonderfully loving and caring man... Love,"
"Doctor Pearson was a loyal and valued alumus of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Michigan. We know he was committed to his patients and througout his distinguished career assured that the very best care was provided to the women of Marquette and the region. Wallace enjoyed scientific meetings in Ann Arbor, and he was a great friend to his professional colleagues in the Norman F Miller Society. We are proud of the difference that he made in the lives of so many women and children. Our condolences to his family, and our gratitude for the opportunity to share in the life and accomplishments of this great man. Timothy R B Johnson MD FACOG, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Univeristy of MIchigan"
"To the Pearson Family, Wally was a truely dear friend to both Bill and me. When we first came to Marquette and he found out I had an Ob Gyn Residency behind me, he contacted me to assist him in surgery and our friendship started. We growled at each other often and laughed at each other but always we were there to help our friend. When Bill and I moved to Las Vegas for out "retirement" Wally and Sandy had us along with two other couples for a great farewell dinner. As we got older we kept in touch by e-mail. A true friend and such an excellent doctor will be greatly missed. Goodbye Wally. Barbara and Bill Lyons"
"Katie, Barrett, Kaitlin and Cam - You are in our thoughts. I hope you find comfort sharing the many memories of you father/grandfather with family and friends. Love - The Ronquist Family"
"To the Pearson family, I worked with Wally on OB for 18 yrs. I always looked forward to his deliveries. His compassion, professionalism, and friendliness made working with him a pleasure. He will be truly missed."
"My most sincere sympathy to the Wally Pearson family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. I shared many years working with Dr. Peason, and have many great memories working for a great doctor and friend. You will be missed. Elna Muelle, R.N."
"I am very sorry to hear of his passing. He delivered my daughter Heather Melissa. He was a very kind and gentle man."
"I Worked with Dr. Pearson in the OR at MGH. I remember how much I looked forward to spending the day with him. He always brought his own CD's to keep us entertained and he shared his love of big band music. To this day, I always think of him when i hear it, and thank him for introducing me to it."
"Wally was leaving Advantedge Sports one Saturday morning as I was arriving. We chatted briefly, then he said, "Chuck, take care of your self." He was hobbling on crutches. As he reached the door, he turned to me and said, "Chuck, don't ever lose sight of the preciousness of life." I thanked him and told him I appreciated that. Barb and I send our deepest sympathies to all the Pearson families. Chuck Tooman, Marquette."
"To the Pearson Family; Please accept our sincere sympathy for the loss of a great person. As a Rotarian PDG, I know that Wally made Rotary better for his membership and support. We will all miss his dedication to life and his community. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time."
"My sincere condolences to the Pearson family. Wally was my mentor when I joined the Marquette West Rotary Club 15 years ago. His dedication to Rotary was amazing and an inspiration to me. When Wally got done with you, you were all in. On a lighter note, Dr. Pearson delivered our first child. That was back in the days when they just started to allow Dad's in the delivery room. He just laughed at me. Greg Gustafson"
"All, I am many thousands of miles away from where I want to be right now to support my family at this tough time, but no one better than Doc would understand the requirements of service and sacrifice that keep me away. Friend, mentor, teacher, and sometimes student, his insatiable curiousity about people and sincere desire to understand them drew me in, and the result was life changing. He personally made sure I was accepted at UofM, gave me his daughter's hand in marriage, and then guided us through life for the past 25 years. We had so many good times at MIP and in Florida I can hardly imagine life without that possibility again. I will truly miss him and his hearty laugh, his stubborn streak, and his warm friendship; I truly loved him. My heart goes out to everyone there. Love,"
"Dear Pearson Family, This is not an easy time for you and words are hard to come by during these times. Please know my thoughts are with you all in this time of your grief. And remeber all of the good times you all had together."
"Our hearts go out to the Pearson family and to Betty.Wally was a kind and gentle man. I'll miss him and the tmes we spent together. He was a true friend to me and to my family. I'll never forget him. We love you Wally. Frank and Beth Allen"
"You don't know me, but Dr. Pearson delivered my first daughter 35 years ago and at that time forewarned me that when I reached my 50's I would experience symptoms different from most due to my specific case. You don't know how many times I secretly thanked Dr. Pearson now that I'm in my 50's, experiencing exactly what he predicted, and remembering his comforting words. My sympathy to your family."
"To the Pearson family: Wally was of the first physicians we talked to at Marquette General, and we were very favorably impressed. He had the courtly manners of an old-fashioned gentleman, and the social awareness of a new-style progressive. Although we were probably the kind of OB patient and family who made him pull out his remaining hair, he was gracious and patient with us, and we later became friends. We will miss him greatly. Ann and Dan Arnold"
"Although, I've only known Wally for a few years, he has left an indelible imprint on me. My conversations with him ranged over a wide variety of topics but always he was optomistic, reminicsent, and cheerful. His love of life was infectious and I always felt better for spending time with him. My heartfelt condolences go out to the Pearson Family and Betty. I'll miss him."
"I always looked forward to seeing Wally whenerver I came back to visit home. My sympathies to all of his fine children and their families."
"Kate, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. He raised a wonderful, kind, intelligent, and compassionat daughter in you. Raquel"
"Dear Pearson family, As a Director of Rotary International, I wish to express the sadness we all feel with the loss of a good Rotarian and a good man. We've heard such great things about Wally and I'm sure he will be greatly missed. On behelf of all Rotary, please accept our sincere condolences."
"Katie, May the shoulders of family and friends carry your sorrow and their arms hold you with love and support. You and your family have my deepest sympathy."
"We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers go out to all of the Pearson family."
"We share in your loss. Wally touched so many lives with joy and love. Hold fast to the many good memories. God made a few very special people who spread happiness as they traveled through life. Wally was one of the few. Kind regards - North & Jan Shetter"
"Dr. Pearson was a very gentle and compassionate man. We were very privileged to have known and worked with him. Our condolences to his family. Kathleen & Steve Normand"
"Condolences to the Pearsons, my brothers and sisters and I will miss seeing your dad strolling the camp road (usually accompanied by Abby). All the best to you."
"Pearson Family, A talented and gifted man. He meant a great deal to me. My deepest sympathies."
"Joanne and my prayers and thoughts are with the extended Pearson family and Betty. We enjoyed our evening out last June 29th on our trip through. We were expecting to have some contact in connection with U of M's Homecoming. We are with all in spirit. Our fine memories of times with Wally will entertain us until we meet again."
"Wally was one of my closest friends, one of the few I would trust with my life. The feeling was mutual and we knew it. To tell stories of our Rotary adventures seems out of place here. [He would be laughing too loud for folks to hear them.] My wife and I extend our deepest condolences to all members of Wally's family. He was the best and he will remain so in our memories. We will send our Marquette Planned Parenthood a donation in his memory [and later try to sell Wally, Jr. some Rotary Pancake Breakfast tickets, as would be expected by his dad.]."
"I was saddened the day Dr. Pearson announced his retirement, but I'm even more saddened to hear of his passing. He treated us patients like we were his "only" patient. In addition to being an excellent physician, he was kind, caring and compassionate. And, he was available no matter what time of the day or night. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time."
"We would like to extend our condolences to Wally's family . We do hope the fond memories will be of some comfort to his family We have fond memories of a great friend & boss"
"Dr. Pearson will always be in my thoughts and prayers. He was the kindest of souls and always made me feel at ease. He will be sorely missed. Our sincere condolences to his family. Liz and George Ellis"
"On behalf of the Marquette/Alger County Medical Society, I'd like to extend condolences to Dr. Pearson's family. Dr. Pearson was a wonderful physician and a great member of this community. He will be remembered for his kindness, honesty and great humor. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family."
"Dr. Pearson was the first doctor I had back in 1964. He was still in the Air Force at the base hospital and delivered all my children. He was such a wonderful kind man and a great doctor. Our deepest condolences to all the family."