Thomas ‘Tom’ A. Pearson

Tom was born on November 17, 1942, in Sault Ste Marie, Mich., the son of Rudolph S. And Mathilda C. Pearson (Durant).

Tom grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. He attended Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Mich. and Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., earning two bachelor of science degrees in business. Tom was an accountant at Lake Superior State University and also at Rust Engineering in Escanaba, Mich. As well, Tom was an iron ore sampler at the Escanaba ore docks. Tom served in the National Guard as a combat engineer.

Tom married Darlene (Little) on June 17, 1967 at Holy Name of Mary Pro-Cathedral in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. Tom enjoyed his Catholic faith, nature, fishing, sports, music, and spending time with his family. Tom loved walking with his family and identifying and appreciating the plants and animals. He especially loved peonies and song birds. His sports heroes were Al Kaline and Gordie Howe. He had many fishing adventures with his sons Jim, Dave and Steve and son-in-law, Vladimir. Tom enjoyed singing and playing guitar with his family, especially when his daughter, Debbie, played the piano. Tom loved attending mass with Debbie and grandchildren, Alexander and Anna at Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Escanaba, where he was a member. Tom was loving, thoughtful, attentive and kind.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Darlene of Escanaba; children, James (Roberta) Pearson of Kalamazoo, David (Dawn) Pearson of Kalamazoo, Steven Pearson of Escanaba, and Debbie (Vladimir) Valioukevitch of Rochester, Minn.; brother, John (Barbara) Pearson of Kalamazoo; grandchildren, Jason, Scott, Audrey, Olivia, Emily, Alexander, Anna, and Max.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Mathilda, as well as his parents-in-law Howard and Roseanna Little.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 8, at Skradski Funeral Home in Escanaba from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Escanaba with Rev. Fr. Rick Courier officiating. A luncheon will follow in the parish hall. Tom will be laid to rest at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Sault Ste Marie. To offer online condolences, please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Pearson family.