Roy M. Pearson
Roy Melvin Pearson, 90 of Cook passed away peacefully to his heavenly home on Monday, January 16, 2017 at Gracewood Senior Living in North Branch, MN, with his family at his side.

Roy Melvin Pearson was born on August 1, 1926, in Cook MN, to John Abel and Clara (Erikson) Pearson. Roy was the youngest of six children. He joined the Navy when he was 17 years old spending about two years at sea, during World War 11. His ship, the USS Colbert (APA-145), was hit by a Japanese mine. The mine, having hit the boiler room area where he worked, Roy was able to escape death by a few minutes as he walked up the stairs for breakfast. Roy received the Combat Action Ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and the World War 11 Victory Medal. He married the love of his life, Ruth Hanson, Sept 27, 1952 in Bemidji, MN, raised his family and resided in Cook on the family homestead land.

Roy's main employment consisted of farming, worker at the Cook Feed Mill, head custodian at the Cook School and as sawyer at the Minntac Mine. He was a proud member of the Carpenters Local 606 Union. Roy was a strong Christian man with a life-long active membership at the Cook First Baptist Church, where served on several boards. He was known in the community as a giving man; especially with his produce and eggs. Roy loved the woods and splitting firewood. Roy's love for wood extended into his woodcarving, as he attended the Community Education Woodcarving class for 20 years.

Roy and Ruth moved to Wyoming, MN due to health issues on Feb. 23, 2008, where Ruth lived a month before her passing. Roy remained with his daughter and son-in-law for three years until Parkinson's was overtaking his body. He chose then to move to Gracewood Senior Living in North Branch, MN on March 1, 2011 where he remained until his death. Roy loved Gracewood from the day he saw it, to the day he passed away.
Roy's body will be put to rest at Field Township Cemetery, but his soul will be with the Lord in Heaven….may his memories be treasured in our hearts forever.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Ruth; brother, Arnold; and sisters, Emily and Alice.

Roy is survived byhis children: Judy (Dan) Cochran of Wyoming, MN, Joyce (Terry) Cave of North Branch and David (Bonnie) Pearson of Cook; 11 Grandchildren: Josh (Kristen) Doughty, Dena (Dave) McCollum, Jon (Carime) Doughty, Sarah (Jamie) Mokros, Josh (Danielle) Cochran, Tim (Lisa) Cave, Kristin (Nate) Stenholtz, Lindy (Ben) Bakeberg, Erik (Nikki) Pearson, Tricia Pearson, and Tina (Sheldon) Bergman; 26 Great grandchildren; 1 brother, Williard Pearson and 1 sister, Violet Pearson both of Cook.

SERVICES: Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Monday January 23, 2017 at the First Baptist Church of Cook. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the Church. Rev. Randy Brodeen will be the officiant. Music will be provided by Kathy Forsline and Doreen Olson. Casket bearers will be: Timothy Cave, Ben Bakeberg, Nate Stenholtz, Josh Doughty, Davey McCollum, Jonathan Doughty, Jamie Mokros, Josh Cochran, Erik Pearson and Sheldon Bergman. Military honors will be accorded by the Cook VFW and the Orr American Legion. Spring interment will be in the Field Township Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. To sign the online guest book or to leave a condolence for the family go to: www.mlakerfuneralhome.com