Ervin "Erv" Harold Pearson

Ervin H. “Erv” Pearson, 95, of Redwood Falls died Saturday, January 7, 2012 at Redwood Area Hospital. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 from St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Redwood Falls with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m.

Arrangements are with Nelson-Martin Funeral Service of Redwood Falls. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelsonmartinfuneralservice.com .

Ervin Harold Pearson, the son of Algot and Ada (Carlson) Pearson, was born September 19, 1916 in Northfield. He grew up in Northfield and received his formal education in Northfield public schools. Erv graduated from Northfield High School in 1934 and, in July of that year, enlisted in the C.C.C. (Civilian Conservation Corp) Company 720. He served with the C.C.C. until April 1, 1935 and then spent the summer working as a carpenter in Northfield with his father. Erv enrolled in Dunwoody Institute where he studied drafting and building construction. He graduated from Dunwoody in 1936 and was hired as an assistant manager for Botsford Lumber Company in Slayton. Erv worked at the Slayton lumber yard until 1938, when he was hired as assistant manager in Redwood Falls and Albert Lea.

On April 19, 1941, Erv married Lucille Ann Amberg in Redwood Falls. He entered the United States Navy in October 1942 and spent 30 months on overseas duty in the South Pacific. Following his honorable discharge, Erv returned to Redwood Falls where he was the assistant manager of Botsford until 1955 when he was promoted to manager at Plainview. He also served as manager for Botsford in Marshall and Winona until 1962 when the merger with United Building Centers occurred. Erv continued as manager of UBC in Winona for 16 years, then returned to Redwood Falls in 1974 to manage the UBC yard. He retired on October 1, 1981.

Erv served on the board of directors for Fidelity Savings and Loan in Winona for 16 years. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Northwest Lumberman’s Association. Erv was a Boy Scout Leader, a member of the American Legion and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, serving as Post Adjutant for nine years in Redwood Falls. Erv belonged to the Church of St. Catherine where he served on the long range planning committee during construction of the new church and rectory in1981. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Erv’s hobbies included woodworking, fishing, hunting, traveling, reading, coin and stamp collecting, and flower gardening. He enjoyed all sports and was an avid fan of harness racing.

Erv is survived by his children Jean Ann Mattson of Palm Coast, Florida, Linda Louise (Mark) Brindmore of Northfield, James Ervin Pearson of Winona, Jill Marie (Robert) Kuhlmann of Tucson, Arizona, Sue Ellen Personius of Rio Ranch, New Mexico, Mary Beth Erickson of Clara City, and John Harold Pearson of Redwood Falls; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Lucille on November 27, 2005; his grandson Jamie Personius; and his sons-in-law Owen Mattson and Hal Personius.

Blessed be his memory.