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ESCANABA -- Robert (Bob) Gunnar Pearson, 74, of Escanaba, passed away at home on March 27, 2024 of natural causes. Bob was born in Escanaba on November 12, 1949, the oldest child of four to his Swedish father Gunnar and Irish mother Kathleen (Katie) Pearson. Bob began his life on Main Street in Wells. Growing up in the house his dad built, then starting his own family there, eventually moving near the golf course in Escanaba where he enjoyed many more years with his family.
Bob joined the Army right out of high school and served his country in Vietnam. Upon returning to the States he began his career with Mead Paper, where he proudly walked across that bridge for 42 years. On April 27, 1974 he was united in marriage with Kathryn (Kathy) Gannon. Through their own set of life's ups and downs he adored her and they navigated life for over 50 years.
Together they raised three children, who thought they were the sparkle of his beautiful blue eyes quickly learning otherwise when grandchildren came along. Bob and Kathy spent many years golfing with friends, cheering on the Pack, sometimes together and sometimes in separate rooms or cities. Always supporting their children in every endeavor, from dance class and basketball courts, to ball fields and the all time favorite, hockey rinks. He often worked long hours, many times seven days a week, but he never missed a game or event. Over the years Bob didn't hide his struggles, but through it all his dedication to being a trusted provider for his family never waivered.
Being a Grandpa allowed Bob's big heart to shine. When his first grandchild was born, everyone heard about her, which soon turned into stories about how "cool" they all were. They were his favorite topic and best gift in life. Grandpa Bob was truly enamored with each and every one of them. He was quickly in tune with each of their unique personalities, while carrying their hearts in his. He would be content to sit quietly holding a sleeping baby, or watching them grow daily over Facetime when distance came into play. Bob was famous for his nightly phone calls to wish "sweet dreams and God bless." He took advantage of every opportunity, from library hour visits, to taking his seat back in the stands and became the kids default chauffeur starting with rides to preschool to last week's pick ups at high school. He always had funny stories about what the kids would say, and the kids have some pretty great stories about him. Oh... and the treats, always snacks, lots and lots of favorite meals, treats and snacks.
Bob was an accomplished and exceptional poker player. You could catch him stacking up chips, wins, laughs and grimaces for over 30 years at the Island Resort and Casino, in Las Vegas and even some riverboats along the way. Bob was a back to back "Poker Player of the Year" at the Island. His greatest poker achievements include winning the "Tournament of Champions" and earning the highly coveted seat to the World Series of Poker not just once but twice. In 2005 he parlayed one of those wins to the World Series into 360th place out of 5,619 of the top poker players in the world, winning over $18,000.00. He also won the Island's World Poker Tour finale, winning a spot to play in the World Poker Tour and in 2014 he won the Midwest Poker Challenge.
He carried many lucky charms over the years and would often say "it's better to be lucky than good", with a smile that let you know he was talking more so about his experience in life than poker. The many amazing friends he made throughout life were dear to him, and will continue to hold a spot in the family's heart.
For most, to know Bob was to love him, and if you were lucky enough to cross his path, you definitely have some kind of story to tell. Bob is survived by his wife Kathy and children Andrea (Jaimee) Tourangeau, Beth (Justin Berbohm) Pearson, all of Escanaba and Matt (Ali) Pearson of Green Bay, Wis.; grandchildren, Mary Kate, Jacob and Ella Tourangeau, Bryson Bougie, Finn and Lilee Berbohm, and June and Gunnar Pearson. He is also survived by his sister Susan Sinclair and Patrick Pearson, both of Green Bay, Wis. and Michael Pearson of Escanaba, as well as good friends that happened to be his in-laws, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Gunnar and Katie Pearson, his father and mother-in-law Robert and Thora Gannon, his brother-in-law Michael Gannon and his niece Sarah Gannon.
In keeping with Bob's wishes a celebration of his life will take place with his friends and family at the Escanaba Country Club on Friday, April 5 beginning at 3 p.m.
Military honors will take place at 4:15 p.m.
A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Home is assisting the family with all arrangements.