Allen Darrel Pearson

Allen (Al) Darrel Pearson of North St Paul, MN and Sun City West, AZ passed away at the age of 93 on February 4th, 2026.

Born in Storm Lake, Iowa, on August 23, 1932, Al grew up in Albert City with his parents Alvin and Edith (Miller) and siblings. After his father’s death at age eleven, Al helped on the farm and cared for his family. He worked as a pin setter and newspaper carrier, excelled in school and sports, and played football, basketball, and baseball reaching the State Basketball tournament in 1950. Al also enjoyed baseball with his uncles, learned golf from Uncle Ralph, and cribbage from the local barber, embodying the “It takes a Village to Raise a Child” philosophy.

After high school, he pursued a Bachelors of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Iowa State University while participating in ROTC and Sigma Chi Fraternity. He graduated in December 1954 and began active service as a First Lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers in January 1955. Following two years in the army, he joined 3M in St Paul, Minnesota, spending his career in the Healthcare and Medical Specialties Division, including launching new dental materials applications, a manufacturing facility in Brookings, SD and partnering with his daughter Lori on a coated film product for medical use. He retired in June 1994 after 37 years at 3M.

Al met Marilyn through the ULLR Ski Club, and they married on October 2, 1965, celebrating their 60th anniversary this autumn. They resided in White Bear Lake before settling in North St Paul, Minnesota, and later divided their time between Sun City West, Arizona, and Minnesota upon retirement.

Al was an avid golfer, known for his dedication to the sport well into his nineties. He shared with his daughter that forward tee boxes allowed him to continue to play bogie golf. His daughter fondly recalls accompanying him to Tartan Park, driving and putting while he did all the middle iron shots - a method that enabled Al both to engage his children and pursue his passion for golf.

He enjoyed travel, organizing family road trips across the United States, skiing excursions, and visits to national parks. Al frequently paused at roadside signs and loved history. Together with Marilyn, they visited various countries and he especially loved golfing at St Andrews in Scotland.

Al was a loyal supporter of the Minnesota Vikings, North Stars, and Iowa State athletics. He also liked to go boating and play cards, especially cribbage. As a recycling pioneer, he collected cans and newspapers before formal recycling stations were available. Al contributed to the North St Paul Lions Club Eye Program, collecting glasses for global distribution to those in need. He served on the Ramsey County Fair Board and was Past President of both the ULLR Ski Club and

the Lions Club. Additionally, he supported Habitat for Humanity. He was known for his friendliness, kindness, humor, and commitment to community service, continuing to assist with the Lions Club food truck until last autumn. Al was a member of St Mark’s Lutheran Church in North St. Paul for over fifty years and Lord of Life in Sun City West.

Al will tell you if you start something then you should finish it, life is more than money, and you should use your talents the best you can to help others. He loved and valued his family above all and was lucky to have a great bond with his grandchildren. Al has been the rock of this family and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by the love of his life, Marilyn (Winskowski) Pearson, his children Leslie Major (Jerry) of Marshalltown, IA, and Lori Pearson of Roseville, MN, along with four grandchildren: Megan, Molly (Henry Bison), McKenna, and Elizabeth Gfrerer (Brandon Hudachek); his sister Phyllis Ransom of Elizabeth, IL; sister-in-law Mary Pearson of Bloomington, IN; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Arlene Gustafson, and brother Terry Pearson.

Visitation will be held on February 21, 2026, at St. Marks Lutheran Old Church (Lundquist Chapel), North St Paul, Minnesota, starting at 1:00 pm. The Memorial service begins at 2:00 pm, followed by burial at St Mary’s Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be sent to Leslie Major at 2013 Gethmann Dr, Marshalltown, IA 50158.