A Recording of Gary's Memorial Service is available below his obituary.

Gary Lee Pearson, age 82, of Lakeville, Minnesota, formerly of Pocahontas, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 27, 2024, with his family by his side. Days prior to his death he was visited by beloved family in the ICU who spent two memorable days sharing stories, Gary's favorite thing to do.

Gary was born on February 3, 1942 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He graduated from Palmer High School in 1960. On August 4, 1963 he married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Reiter.  They welcomed their daughter, Dawn, on February 22, 1970. His family was his biggest pride and joy, especially his 3 grandchildren: Caraline, Tim, and Mallory. Recently he beamed as he gave his great-grandson, Banks, his first haircut and as he was able to hold his new 11 day old great- grandson, Murphy, shortly before he died. Time spent with his family was always at the top of Gary's list!

Gary served proudly in the U.S. Army from January 1967 - November 1971. He was very active in the Pocahontas community. For 53 years he enjoyed sharing stories between the walls of his barber shop located right off Main St. Additionally, he served as President of the Kiwanis, sang on the Community Chorus, was active in his church, St Peter Lutheran, and enjoyed many rounds of golf while playing in the Pocahontas Men's Golf League. When moving to Lakeville, he continued to sing when he joined the Classic Voices at the Lakeville Heritage Center and  played in their Men's golf league until his health made it difficult. He always managed to make special friends through all of his activities.

Survivors include his wife, Sandra of Lakeville, MN; daughter, Dawn (Bill) Slattery of Minneapolis; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Caraline (Thomas) Butler and their sons, Banks and Murphy of Lawrence, Kansas, and Timothy and Mallory both of Minneapolis, MN. Siblings; Wayne (Donna) Pearson, Marlin (Jen) Pearson, Roger Pearson, and Shirley (Clifford) Ripke. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Florence Pearson, and sister Marilyn.

In lieu of flowers the family would ask that memorials be donated in honor of the first responders that cared for Gary so respectfully and kindly in his time of need. We cannot say enough about the impact these people played in making Gary feel comfortable and in making our family feel supported. As Gary always told them, "God bless you. You are so good." You may directly donate to Lakeville Safety Foundation at www.lpsfmn.org/ or to Pocahontas Emergency Medical Services at www.pocahontashospital.org/foundation.php in which you can find a form to use for your donation.