Alan R. Pearson (75) passed away on Sunday, August 27th, with his family at his side.

Alan grew up on his family farm in Atlas and was forever grateful for the childhood years he spent “running wild” outdoors, which taught him to be curious, adventurous, and self-sufficient. He attended Oak Hill School in his youth, graduated from Luck High School, and earned his B.S. in Biology and Math from the University of Wisconsin River Falls. After college, Al worked for the University of Minnesota Computer Center, where he met Patty, and they married in 1976. The two of them returned to Atlas, where he began his 20-year career in dairy farming. His love for all things technology and data-related brought him to Hazelden, where he worked as a data analyst for 12 years. Although he loved this work, he eventually expressed that his day job was interfering with his countless other interests and projects, so he retired at age 61. Al spent the next 14 years enjoying telling people that he “had the day off” while pouring his time and energy into woodworking, gardening, various citizen science projects, reading, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Alan liked to “make stuff.” He built a telescope, grinding the lens for it by hand, and took pride in restoring antique hand tools and using them for his many woodworking projects, adding intricate details that required a great deal of time, skill, and patience. When he wasn’t in his workshop, you’d find him outside, working in his many vegetable and flower gardens, walking the dog, planting native wildflower plots, building and installing birdhouses (including an osprey nest platform) or hunting for bargains at nearby (or distant) flea markets.

When the weather forced him back inside, you’d find Al reading, listening to NPR, watching foreign films, or playing Mahjong with Patty and his friends. He also delighted in discovering, cooking, and, most of all, eating eclectic cuisines. He often said, “You only have so many meals in life. Make them count..”

Most of all, Alan devoted himself to his family. He and Patty were happily married for 47 years, sharing many adventures, big and small. He showed his love in creative ways, and for anniversaries he would often get her a “big rock,” literally hauling in a boulder on his front-loader and installing it as decor on their property. He was a strong and loving father, encouraging his kids to balance being fun-loving and driven and never losing an opportunity to tell them a joke or to push them to make the most of their opportunities. His granddaughters adored him, looking forward to their scheduled “granddaughter days,” when they would read books on his lap, play games, learn the craft of woodworking, go on walks, stargaze, or just enjoy a good “chin-wag” (conversation.)

Alan was preceded in death by his parents (Roy and Paula Pearson). He is survived by his wife, Patty Pearson; children Amanda Wicklund (Karl Wicklund), Dan Pearson (Leah Patriarco), Teresa Pearson (Tristan Summers); granddaughters Anika, Hazel, and Violet; and his furry friend, Cody.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Alan’s name to the following causes that were meaningful to him: Clean Wisconsin (https://www.cleanwisconsin.org/) and/or to KnowCAFOs (knowcafos.org). Please see links to the donation pages below.

The family invites you to join them in remembering Al’s life at West Denmark Parish Hall (2492 170th Street, Luck, WI 54853) on Saturday, September 2, 2023. A visitation will begin at 5:00 PM. From 5:30 PM until 7:00 PM, the family invites you to join them in the basement of the Parish Hall for dinner. Following dinner, a time of sharing will be held.

Last Update: Aug 30, 2023 1:02 pm CDT