Eldon T. Pearson

Eldon T. Pearson, 93, of Garner passed away Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at his home.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 A.M., Saturday, April 24, 2021 at United Presbyterian Church in Garner with Rev. Justin Asche officiating. The service will be livestreamed on the Cataldo Funeral Home Facebook page. Burial will be at Concord Township Cemetery.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Eldon Theodore Pearson, the son of Palmer and Ida (Oscarson) Pearson, was born November 20, 1927 at Wesley, Iowa.  He attended the rural schools of Hancock County until the eighth grade and graduated from Britt High School in 1945.  After high school he moved to Waterloo and worked at John Deere for a year before returning home to farm.  He met his wife, Gwen while attending a movie at the Avery Theatre in Garner.  Eldon and Gwen dated one year, one month and one day.  They married on August 27, 1948 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua.  The minister had them ring the church bell together symbolizing that in marriage you now must also pull together to make it through married life.  They obviously took that to heart.  They were married for 72 years. They farmed near Mason City for two years and then returned to the family farm northeast of Garner where they continued to farm and raised their family.  In 1989 Eldon and Gwen moved into Garner and in 1991 he retired from farming.  In his retirement, Eldon worked in the spring and fall for ten years at the Farmer’s Cooperative Society in Garner.  Eldon enjoyed golfing on Mondays at Oakhills with his daughter, Judy and golfing with his grandsons and son-in-laws.  He and Gwen played cards every evening after supper. He looked forward to playing cards on Wednesday mornings with his card club.  A good game of 500 was often a part of family gatherings.  Camping was a favorite pastime.  He especially enjoyed making a campfire and spending time around it with family and friends.  Eldon always remained active working on projects at the farm.  He loved being outdoors. This past fall he rode several rounds in the combine with his grandson, Jacob while harvesting corn on the family farm. Even after his health declined he spent time on the patio swing in the backyard.

He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and Sunday School Superintendent.  He also taught Sunday School, Youth Club and Confirmation Class.  He served on the Farmer’s Cooperative board and represented the local coop on the District Soybean board.

Eldon will be remembered by his family as a loving and faithful husband of 72 years and a father who was adored and respected by his three daughters. He valued education and made certain his daughters completed their undergraduate degrees. His grandchildren were his great delight and they will remember him for taking them fishing and many weekend camping trips. They will also remember him for his solid knowledge and love of farming and endless energy. His great grandchildren found him to always be attentive and ready to hear their latest adventures. Eldon was a Godly man of integrity and quiet wisdom who will be missed by his family, friends and community. Eldon is survived by his wife, Gwen of Garner; three daughters, Vicky (Jerry) Davis of Mason City, Bonnie (Mike) Pergande of Garner and Judy (Jay) Pedelty of Mason City; six grandchildren, Stephen (Tasha) Davis and their three children, Neelie, Ian and Brynn, Amy (Chris) Arhart and their son, Landon, Kaleb (Kate) Pergande and their three children, Isaiah, Gwen and Zeb, Jacob (Amber) Pergande and their three children, Quinten, Wyndham and Brycenn, Eli (Celine) Pedelty and their two children, Kian and Sean and Isaac (Heather) Pedelty and their two children, Vaughn and Elise; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Astred (Harold) Schwab; a brother, Arnie (Mary) Pearson; and a nephew, Bill Pearson.