William Austin Pearson

Bill joined his bride Tulla in heaven on January 27, 2017 at the age of 86. He was born on February 1, 1930 to William and Marjory Pearson. He enjoyed a warm and memorable childhood in Fargo, North Dakota, then moved to Minneapolis as his father's business grew. Bill graduated from Washburn High School in 1947, and from Blake High School in 1949. He attended the University of Minnesota and was a member of Chi Psi fraternity upon his return from serving in the Korean War.

Bill was proud to serve his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After a storied journey aboard a troop ship with hundreds of other new recruits in 1952, Bill was soon recognized for his map-reading skills and was put to work in aerial reconnaissance behind enemy lines, directing artillery fire for the 25th Infantry Division. He also spent a lot of time on the ground, hunkering down and living in caves with only rations to eat. He came away safe, but never ate beans again. Bill was honorably discharged from the Army in 1954 as a sergeant with a Korean Service Ribbon and two bronze stars.

It wasn't until he was nearly 40 that Bill met his soulmate Tulla on a blind date, arranged by a mutual friend. Little did he know then that he was meeting his new family, and beginning a long life of love and adventure. He not only won Tulla's heart, but also those of her four young children--with the help of a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken. So, at age 41, he walked down the aisle and acquired a devoted wife, four kids, and two cats all in one day.

The new family moved to Edina, where their children graduated from high school. As a career construction manager, Bill built stores all around the country for Super Valu. He took a position in Miami, but he and Tulla moved back to Edina after one year, joining Langer Construction. He then worked for Heitman Properties where he managed construction for the IDS building until he and Tulla retired to their cabin near Nevis, MN. They moved to White Bear Lake in 2011.

Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Gwendolyn (Tulla) Pearson, his parents William and Marjory, and his sister, Sally Rogers. He is survived by daughter Lydia (John) Haugen, sons Frank (Bell) Barr, Andrew (Debra) Barr, and Alan (Michele) Barr; grandchildren Allison (Adam) Hart, Anna (Ben) Thompson, William Haugen, Frank (Heidi) Barr, Samuel Barr (Michael Meyer), Peter Barr (Stacey Hopkins), Anders Barr, Katlyn (Evan) Cameron, Georgia (Ryan) O'Hora, Jeffrey Barr, and Talia Barr; great-grandchildren Charles and Grace Hart; Gwendolyn Thompson; Kyson, Troy, and Jaida Cameron; Nolan, Savannah, and Caroline O'Hora; sister Nan Lightner, and many nieces and nephews.

Bill and Tulla will be buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.


"Flowers, though beautiful, will eventually die. A rock will not die,
and symbolizes the permanence of memory, love, and legacy." Bill was our rock.










PEARSON
William "Bill"
Age 86

Passed away on January 27, 2017, at his home in White Bear Township surrounded by his loving family: daughter Lydia (John) Haugen of White Bear Township and children, Allison (Adam) Hart, Anna (Ben) Thompson, and Bill Haugen; son, Frank (Bell) Barr of Edina and children, Frank (Heidi) Barr, Sam Barr (Mike Meyer), and Peter Barr (Stacey Hopkins); son, Andy (Debbi) Barr of Griffin, Georgia, and children, Anders Barr, Katlyn (Evan) Cameron, and Georgia (Ryan) O'Hora; son, Alan (Michele) Barr of Minnetonka and children, Jeff Barr and Talia Barr; great-grandchildren Charles and Grace Hart, Gwendolyn Thompson, Kyson, Troy and Jaida Cameron, and Nolan, Savannah, and Caroline O'Hora; sister Nan Lightner of St. Paul; and many other family and friends. Preceded in death by beloved wife Tulla, parents William and Marjorie, and sister Sally Rogers. Proudly served as sergeant in U.S. Army 25th Infantry Div., Korea, 1952-54; awarded Korean Service Ribbon w/ 2 bronze stars. A celebration of Bill's life will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 12 noon at White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church, 328 Maple St., Mahtomedi, with visitation one hour prior to service. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Friends of The 261, 261.com, or the Humane Society of MN-Golden Valley.