Wendell Harlan Pearson passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 30, 2010 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD with his family by his side. He lived 84 years, 11 months and 17 days.

Wendell was born October 13, 1925 to Martin and Edith (Benson) Pearson on a rural farm near Alcester, SD. He attended Elmwood country school in Lincoln County and graduated from Alcester High School. Wendell served his country during WWII in the US Army Air Corps. He returned home and married Carol Lucille Johnson on September 15, 1949 in Alcester. He farmed with his father, worked at Otis Radio in Hawarden, IA and later worked at Pedersen Machine in Beresford as he continued to farm. Wendell resided on the farm he has lived at since 1954.

Wendell was a lifelong member of Nathanael Lutheran Church and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He had a passion for fishing and hunting. He enjoyed working with metal and made many items including steam engines, miniature wind mills and crows.

He recently went on the WWII Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. and truly enjoyed the trip.

Wendell is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carol Lucille Pearson of Alcester; son, Regan (Linda) Pearson of Alcester; daughters, Joan (Jim) Ahart and Sharon (Randy) Weisser all of Alcester; son Dale (Karen) Pearson of Alcester; seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, brothers, Lowell Pearson of Alcester and Russell (Clarice) Pearson of Renner, SD; sisters, LaVonne Gunderson of Sioux Falls, Opal Harris and Viola Noah both of Salinas, CA. His parents and one sister, Fern Triptow, preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be 2PM Monday, October 4, 2010 at Nathanael Lutheran Church in Alcester. Burial with military honors will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Alcester. Visitation with the family present will be 3-5PM Sunday at the church.