Beatrice 'Bea' L. Pearson

Funeral services for Beatrice Pearson, of Hoffman, formerly of Hancock, will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Hancock. Reverend Julius Miller will be officiating.  A visitation will be on Friday, October 13, 2023, from 4-7:00 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Hancock.

Beatrice Lillian (Hennessy) Pearson, daughter of Leo and Bernice (Mitchel) Hennessy was born on December 19, 1929, at home on the family farm outside of Danvers, Minnesota.  She was baptized by Dr. Dickson in adulthood at the same time as her daughter.  Bea attended District #84 Country School in Danvers through the 8^th grade, then spent her high school years at Benson High School.  She graduated in 1947, and went on to attend Normal Teacher’s Training in Montevideo.  Bea completed her practice teaching and taught at the same rural school the following year.  On June 15, 1949, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Alfred Pearson, and became a farmer’s wife.  Two children were born to this union, a daughter, Jan and a son, William.  While teaching at Hancock Public Schools, she decided to continue her education at the University of Minnesota, Morris, at night, on the weekends, and during the summer, graduating with her Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching.  Bea retired after 45 years of teaching to help on the farm until Alfred retired at the age of 75 and rented out the land. Alfred preceded Bea in death in 2008.  Bea continued to live on the farm until moving into Hoffman Assisted Living until the time of her death. 

Bea enjoyed watching the birds, cats, and squirrels.  She also spent time in her recliner, reading and watching television.  Bea cherished the time that she was able to spend with her family, especially her grandchildren and watching her family grow!

Bea died peacefully on Monday, October 2, 2023, at her home at the Hoffman Assisted Living.  She was 93 years old.

Bea is survived by her daughter, Jan (David) Raths of Hancock; and son, William (Susan) Pearson of Maple Grove; grandchildren: Tammy (Tim) Forby of Bloomington, Scott (Jaclyn) Raths of Donnelly, Heather (Casey) Knabe of Kensington, and Ben Pearson of Elk River; great-grandchildren: Thomas Forby, Andrew Forby, Tristan Raths, Austin Raths, Amaya Raths, Keason and Kaden Knabe, and Lyla Pearson; brothers-in-law: Bobby Walquist of Willmar and Dennis Jordahl of Willmar; and several nieces, nephews and extended family. 

Bea is preceded in death by her husband, Alfred; great-granddaughter, Hadley Knabe; parents: Leo and Bernice; special aunt, Georgia Mitchel; sisters: Lenore Nissen, Norma Jean Walquist, Beverly Pearson, Marian Johnson, and Susan Jordahl; brother, George Hennessy; sisters-in-law: Jo Hennessy, and Gladys Flannigan; brothers-in-law: Glenn Nissen, Harold Pearson, Jerry Johnson, and Harold Flannigan.