Passed away on Sep 24, 2009

Robert “Bob” D. Pearson Black River Falls, WI Robert “Bob” D. Pearson, age 83, of Black River Falls, WI, passed away Thursday, September 24, 2009, at his home while under the care of Black River Memorial Hospice. Robert Dennis Pearson was born in Minneapolis on March 15, 1926 to Helman and Gertrude Pearson. He was raised in Minneapolis where, as a youngster, he operated a daily newspaper route. He also graduated from high school in Minneapolis. Following his high school graduation, Bob enlisted in the U. S. Navy and served during World War II. Following his discharge from the Navy, Bob became employed as a representative for Coast to Coast Stores and travelled throughout the Midwest setting up new stores. He married Mary Etta Gibson on September 24, 1950 in Le Sueur, MN. The couple first settled in Le Sueur where they owned and operated a Coast to Coast store. In March of 1951, Bob and Mary, along with Bob’s parents, moved to Black River Falls where they purchased the former Olaf Mork Hardware Store which was then renamed Pearson’s Hardware. The couple continued to operate Pearson’s Hardware at their downtown location until 1990 when they built a new building. At that time, their son, Todd, assumed management of the store. Mary and Bob retired from the hardware business in 2000. Mary Pearson died on August 21, 2005. Bob kept extremely active in retirement. For several years, he assisted his son, Todd, in the operation of the Rose Ranch of Merrillan. He also continued to build and repair bicycles which he had done for over 50 years. Around Black River Falls, Bob Pearson was known as the “Bike Man.” His hobbies included working at the hardware store and at Pearson’s Sports Shop, and collecting coins. In his earlier years, he also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He is survived by 2 daughters, Barbara Watson of Colorado Springs, CO, and Kathy (Bill) Potter of Black River Falls; a son Todd (Kari) Pearson of Black River Falls; 7 grandchildren, Gretchen Hoff, Adrian (Wauneta) Hoff, Ben (Lucressia) Hoff, Mindy (Rodney) Stenulson, Corey (Rebecca) Potter, Amber Pearson, and Bobby Pearson; 14 great grandchildren, Jaymie Potter, Megan Stenulson, Brandon Stenulson, Nathan Stenulson, Joshua Potter, Korynn Potter, Raymond Hoff, Emaya Hoff, Breya Williams, Jasmine Hoff, Brittany Hoff, Christopher Hoff, Branson Hoff, and Alexisa Hoff ; 2 great grandchildren, Maquilos Mata and Mia Palmer; 2 brothers, Doug (Bev) Pearson of Scottsdale, AZ and Charles “Bud” Pearson of Le Sueur, MN: other relatives and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; and his parents. Memorial services, with full military honors, will be held at 4 P.M. on Sunday, October 4, 2009 at the Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls. Pastor Greg Kalyvas will officiate. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 3 to 4 P.M. on Sunday, October 4, at the Buswell Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to either Black River Memorial Hospice or Family Worship Assembly. Online condolences may be offered at www.buswellfuneralhome.com.