Frank Pearson, Jr. became a cherished memory on Saturday July 29, 2017 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. There will be a Gathering of Family and Friends on Saturday, August 5, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. A Celebration of Life Service with Military Honors will be at 11 a.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson. Military Honors will be provided by the Dickinson American Legion Post 3 Honor Guard. Inurnment will take place at a later date at the Wooster Cemetery, Wooster, Ohio.

Frank C. Pearson, Jr. was born June 20, 1921 in Dayton, Ohio to Frank and Elva (Russell) Pearson, Sr. He graduated from Flushing High School in Flushing, Mich. and received multiple advanced degrees from Albion College, Albion, Mich. He then attended the University of Michigan, culminating with his Doctorate in Musicology in 1961. He was a member of the Albion College Music Department before moving to Dickinson in 1963 and becoming the Chairman of the Dickinson State College Music Department and the first Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences in 1980. After his retirement in 1986, Frank remained an enthusiastic Dickinson State University supporter as Professor Emeritus.

Frank was a member of the Greatest Generation, serving in the Army during WWII. It was during training at Virginia Polytechnic Institute that he met the charming Louise Pratt, whom he married in 1946 after his return from the European Theater. His honorable actions during the war led to the awarding of The Purple Heart and The Bronze Star.

Frank enjoyed spending time at the AuSable Lake, Mich. cottage he helped his father build in the late 1940’s. His lake neighbors recognized his love of sailing as he maneuvered around the lake in his unique 1930’s Montgomery Wards steel sailboat. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren fondly remember him taking them on lake tours in his ancient rowboat with its mighty three horsepower engine.

He was an enthusiastic traveler, visiting every region of the US, including almost every state and most National Parks. He especially enjoyed his multiple trips to Europe with his son Jay, including Spain, Austria, Italy and the Vatican.

Frank was a member of the Dickinson United Methodist Church and The Dickinson Rotary Club as a level seven Paul Harris Fellow. He was a long time member of Music Teachers National Association, holding national office, and was honored in 2004 as a North Dakota Music Teachers Association Fellow. Frank received the DSU Golden Moccasin Award, and had served on the ND Bicentennial Commission.

Frank is survived by his wife of 71 years, Louise; daughters, Diane (Ron) and April; son, Jay (Tina); grandchildren, Kari, Laura, Michael, Robert, Daniel and Brian; great-grandsons, Caleb, Oscar and Finley; brother-in-law, Avery (Carolyn) Pratt, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Elva; and brother, Jim.

The family is grateful to Country House, St. Ben’s Health Center and CHI Hospice for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Dickinson United Methodist Church Building Fund or The Dickinson Rotary Scholarship Fund.