Irene Pearson

Irene J. Pearson, age 97, of Darwin, died on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at the Emmanuel Nursing Home in Litchfield. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 17th at 10:30 AM at the Church of St. John in Darwin with Father Pat Casey officiating. Visitation will be Sunday November 16th from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM at Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home in Litchfield. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the services at the church. Interment will be in the St. John Catholic Cemetery. Irene was born September 11, 1911 on the family farm near Darwin, MN and was the only child born to John and Barbara (Stiren) Schoolmeesters. Irene began her schooling near Darwin and attended school through the 7th grade before moving with her family to California; Irene graduated from the Anaheim High School, Anaheim, CA in 1929. After high school Irene attended 2 years of business school and after finishing her formal education, Irene was hired to chauffeur two Catholic priest around the southern California area. In 1934, during the "Great Depression" Irene and her parents moved back to Darwin and resumed farming their farm that had been rented to a family from Iowa. On December 27, 1938 Irene married the love of her life, Victor Pearson at the Church of St. John in Darwin. Together they farmed and ran a dairy operation. With Irene’s education and experience from the business school, Irene was able to do the bookkeeping for the family business. For Irene, family and church were very important; Irene was very fortunate and was able to spend much of her time with their five children while having time for the church whenever there was a need. Irene is survived by her five sons: Dale (Vicki) Pearson of St. Charles, MN; Lamont (Nancy) Pearson of Darwin, MN; Harold (Pat) Pearson of Stillwater, MN; Charles Pearson of Key West, FL; & Rick (Lorinda) Pearson of Eden Prairie, MN. Also surviving are 15 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Irene was preceded in death by her parents, husband Victor (1989) and 3 grandchildren Tom, Mary Jo and Chelsea.