ESCANABA - Robert W. "Swede" Pearson, 85, of 1306 South 15th St., Escanaba, passed away Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at the Bishop Noa Home where he had resided for the past five months. He was born on Feb. 8, 1927, in Escanaba and was the son of Robert C. and Edith (Gleisner) Pearson.
Swede attended school in Escanaba and was a member of the graduating Class of 1945. Following high school, he was drafted into the U.S. Army serving in Germany until his honorable discharge. After completing his service to his country, he continued his education at Eastern Michigan University and then returned to Escanaba.
On Nov. 28, 1953, he married the former Gladys Jefferson in Stephenson.
Article Photos
Robert W. ‘Swede’ Pearson
Swede began his employment career at Chicago NW Railroad and Harnischfeger Corp., but spent most of his working years employed by the U.S. Postal Service retiring in 1987.
He was a former member of the Escanaba Country Club and also an avid sports fan of the Escanaba Eskymos and the Michigan State Spartans. Following retirement, he enjoyed traveling during the winter months.
He is survived by: wife, Gladys, Escanaba; daughters, Mary (Jerry) Brasser, Sheboygan, Wis., Barbara (John) Zeni, Gurnee, Ill., Susan (Jim) McNeil, Escanaba; grandchildren, John, Jennifer, Katie, Maria, and Jimmy; great-granddaughters, Maddison and Morgan; sister, Lorraine Stewart, El Paso, Texas and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Nancy Pearson.
A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 30, 2012, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba.
Funeral services celebrating the life of Robert W. "Swede" Pearson will follow at noon in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Scott Harmon of the Central United Methodist Church officiating.
Burial will take place in the Lakeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial in Swede's honor to either the Central United Methodist Church or the U.P. Honor Flight Campaign. Expressions of sympathy and online condolences may be directed to the Pearson family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.
