Curtis Emil Pearson
Sunday, July 28, 1940
Date of Death:
Sunday, February 27, 2022
Age:
81 years old
Sunday, July 28, 1940
Date of Death:
Sunday, February 27, 2022
Age:
81 years old
Sunday, July 28, 1940
Date of Death:
Sunday, February 27, 2022
Age:
81 years old
Curtis Emil Pearson
Curtis Emil Pearson was born July 28, 1940 to Emil S. and Edith J. Swanson Pearson in Red Wing, Minnesota.
He attended Burnside Consolidated School, grades 1 through 8. He graduated from Central High School in Red Wing, MN, in 1958 and from St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN, in 1962 with a major in history and minor in German. He obtained a teaching certificate in 1964, after more courses at St. Olaf and began teaching at Jeffers, MN, in 1964. He attended and did post graduate work at the University of MN through an NDEA Institute in the summer of 1965. During the summer of 1966, he was accepted among 80 other German teachers to participate in another NDEA Institute through Stanford University to study German language and culture at the Evangelische Akademie in Bad Boll, West Germany.
On Dec. 30, 1966, he and Glennis Rasmussen were married at Jeffers, MN. In 1968 he accepted a teaching position in District 518 at Worthington, MN and taught German and American History there until his retirement in 1997. When Curt was not teaching, you could find him at his other job painting houses for others, or working outside on his acreage. After his retirement, he enjoyed spending time during the winter in Fredericksburg, Texas.
He was active in WEA, MEA and served on the SWMN Uniserv board. He was active in First Lutheran Church in Worthington as an usher, committee member, Bethel Bible Course teacher, church council, serving also as chairman of call committee. In Rochester, he joined Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in 2013 continuing in the faith, which his parents had instilled in him as a young child.
Curt was an active member of the selection committee for the annual exchange student to Worthington’s Sister City, Crailsheim, in Southwest Germany. He served as president of Worthington-Crailsheim International Incorporated for four years and led many student and adult groups on trips to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. He was a tireless advocate for the partnership that began as an outreach to Crailsheim after WWII, and this ongoing friendship was always near and dear to his heart.
In Worthington, he was a member of the Early Riser’s Kiwanis Club and served as president and Lt. Governor for MN – Dakota Region 6. In Rochester, he joined the Rochester Day Makers in 2012 and did many different service projects with this club. He contributed to a Hixon award with the Day Maker’s Club in 2014 and increased his contribution to the Eliminate International Kiwanis, to a Zeller Award and then a Diamond Zeller in 2016. The Eliminate Kiwanis project was designed to eliminate maternal neo natal tetanus in countries throughout the world. Curt volunteered hours of service through Kiwanis to park stewardship at Quarry Hill, being a reading guide at Ben Franklin, Pinewood, and Riverside Elementary Schools in Rochester. He also was a K-Kids liaison for the Day Makers Kiwanis at Riverside Elementary. He volunteered freely at Channel One and Christmas Anonymous. He rang the bell for Salvation Army and as a strong believer in their cause, he was a generous supporter. Also, he volunteered for Community Food Response collecting food and delivering to Bethel Lutheran Church for distribution to those in need.
Curt was proud to be a parent and grandparent. His family was very important to him and provided much joy to his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Miriam Johnston, and brothers, Emmett and Wesley. He is survived by his wife, Glennis, his son, Michael (Nancy) of Owatonna, and daughter, Tracy (Doug) Tollefson of Rochester, grandchildren, Emily and Megan Pearson, Matthew, Keira, and Cameron Tollefson), brother, Merle Pearson (Rita), and Philipp Rehberger (German exchange student who became like one of the family) as well as many other relatives and friends.
Condolences
The family of Curtis Emil Pearson has received the following condolences.
I was so very sorry to hear of Herr Pearson's passing. He was one of my favorite junior high and high school teachers and made learning a foreign language lots of fun.
I was blessed to have Mr Pearson as my German teacher from 7th to 12th grade. Because of him I was able to take my first trip to Germany after 9th grade. Also due to a conversation I had with him in high school where he convinced me I could accomplish anything I set my mind to, I decided to major in German in college. I was also able to live in Germany the year after the wall came down (my junior year of college). I owe so much to Herr Pearson for all of the opportunities I had in life, and accomplishments I've achieved. Violence Dank Herr Pearson!!!!
Dear Pearson family.
My "Minnessota Mom", Grace Ehlers informed me of the passing of „Herr Pearson". I remember well with how much energy and passion he was teaching my mother tongue to the students at WHS while I struggled with my English.
That was back in the bicentennial year of 1976.
The world has become a lot smaller since then and teaching foreign languages is more important than ever.
Herr Pearson has left something good behind.
Stefan Ertler & family
Remeldorff, Lorraine
France
We were so sorry to hear of Curt's passing. He was such a wonderful, kind, and gracious man. We are thinking of you and your family, Glennis, at this sad time.
Susan & Ken Christenson
Glennis, Tracy and other family members,
Red Wing – Worthington – Rochester (and points between!) –Curt was helping and supporting others! I knew Curt only through Kiwanis Day Makers activities – working with Curt was always fun and Invigorating!
A sad time, but also a time for celebrating and remembering all the good that Curt brought into the world. A quote I found recently that resonates within me: "Those we love never truly leave us. There are things that death cannot touch -> Love is Forever!"
Celebrate Curt’s life! Regretfully I won’t be able to make the Service but I will be there in Spirit.
Jim Cook
You have my sympathies on Kurt’s passing. I knew him through Daymakers Kiwanis and sat across from him every Tuesday morning. He was a joy to have as he always had a little sparkle in his eye and a mischievous smile. I am honored to have known both him and Glenna. Cherish his memories and may God be with you during this time
I planned on going to the funeral but we have family commitments.
take care Glenna
Dear Glennis and family,
I feel honored that I got to know you and Curt a little at Kiwanis Daymakers. He was a bright light addition to our club and we were very delighted he chose to be a member of our club. I remember well your 50th celebration with our club - that was very special. I know he will leave a big hole, but I also know that you must have many wonderful memories. I hope these sustain you in the days ahead. Thinking of you and sending my thoughts and prayers.
Our sympathy to you, Glennis and family
To Older kid hearts and younger kid hearts too.
What an example for me of a life lived full in rejoicing with an answered calling of our Father and Lord.
We also loved this man. I chuckle. seeing his eyebrows go up and his matching smile saying "Yes, we can do this"
Mr. Pearson was a "boots on the ground" kind of guy and solid in his pursuit of a good job well done.
We so enjoy our continued connections with Crailsheim Germany and Curt was the Go To Man for updates and many years of history with this good thing. This very good thing.
As a teacher, I have so respected this man and his family too . If you were listening you were always learning.
May the Lord bless the roots and the wings that He shared with us through this man.
In Christ's love, Rich and Kris Besel, Worthington
I am so sorry for your loss Curtis was special to all of us Gingolds, and we hold cherished memories of our youthful fun with him. Reading about his full life, it is clear as day that he took his positive attitude and kind spirit through all of his adult endeavors. How grateful his family and friends and we are for the goodness he made in our world!
My sincere sympathy to Glennis and family. Such fond memories of Worthington and the good times our families had. Thinking of all of you and keeping you in my prayers. God Bless each of you with His peace.
God bless all of you ❤. Curt was an amazing and thoughtful man. Our family is thinking of you.
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember him fondly as my grandparents neighbor and my German teacher. You have my sympathies.
Charity
I’m sorry for your family’s loss. I pray God strengthens and comforts you all during this difficult time.
Although I never had Mr. Pearson as a teacher while I attending Worthington schools, I knew plenty of other students that did. They always spoke fondly of him. He was always pleasant and willing to greet me as I passed him in the halls.
What a wonderful life of love, service and being involved making a significant difference in the lives of others. You should all be very proud and thankful.
May God Grant rest your soul in eternity, Mr. Pearson.
Kelly Dather