Howard Pearson

Pearson, Howard Wallace One of the best of the "Greatest Generation" passed away Sunday, Nov- ember 24, 2013, in his home. Howard Wallace Pearson was born November 4, 1926 to Laura and Archie Pearson in Minneapolis. Howard enlisted in the Marines in 1944 at the age of 17 with the help of his brother, because he was too young. In February of 1945, he landed on Iwo Jima with the 5th Marine division, 13th battery, and survived to see the raising of the flag on Mount Suribachi. He also fought in the Korean conflict. Howard traveled the world as a Marine. Though he left the Corps, he was always a proud Marine. Howard met the love of his life, Micheline Defay while he was stationed as a guard for the U.S. embassy in Haiti. Marriage followed courtship and the two eventually made their home in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. They were married for 51 years before Micheline's passing and we take comfort in knowing they are together again. Howard appreciated life on a daily basis. He accepted the bad with the good and fought a daily battle with diabetes for the last 25 years of his life. Howard worked in the printing industry and retired from McGill Jensen as the Machine Maintenance Supervisor in 1989. Besides fixing things and tinkering, Howard enjoyed golfing, fishing, and most recently, metal detecting. Howard was not afraid of change. He enjoyed reading on his I-pad and talking on a cell phone. Howard was a Catholic most of his life and sang in several choirs at Immaculate Conception Church in Columbia Heights. At age 86, he was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and attended the New Brighton Ward. He is survived by his 3 daughters and 1 son, Elizabeth (Mark) Grotewold, Cynthia (Brad) Imes, Cassandra Duessel, and Michael (Beth) Pearson; 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Also survived by brother, Loren Oulman and sister, Beatrice Scherer. Funeral will be held on December 3, 2013 at 10 a.m., with a visitation one hour prior at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 4030 Jackson Street NE, Columbia Heights, MN. A life well lived. Semper Fi!