Roger Cleveland Pearson

Roger Cleveland Pearson

Cedar Rapids

Roger Cleveland Pearson, 73, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, at St. Luke's Ed and Joan Hemphill Impatient Hospice Unit, due to chronic kidney disease.

Roger was born in Anamosa, Iowa, to Harry C. and Marie (Sedore) Pearson on July 20, 1950. He grew up in Fairview and graduated from Anamosa High School, Class of 1968.

On May 1, 1970, he married Marylou Kadlec. He worked at Wilson Foods/Farmstead from 1968 until its closure. Then he worked at Linn County LIFTS and transferred to the Secondary Roads Department until his retirement.

Roger enjoyed working on cars with his son, brothers, and friends. Sometimes, he would just act as the "foreman," advising them how to repair it right. He

had many nicknames, such as "Gomer," "Porky,� "Pork Chop," and in later years, "Home Boy" and "Papa." He liked watching races at Hawkeye Downs and NASCAR. He commented often that land where golf courses or sports fields were located would be better used for a racetrack or a drag strip.

Roger went to as many swap meets, tractor shows, and Old Threshers Reunions as he could. He would strike up a conversation with any other MOPAR or Allis Chalmers fan that crossed his path. He really loved getting a good deal at an auction or an estate sale.

Roger liked being at home with his wife, his dog, and cats, watching Westerns, RFD, or Food Network. Roger had a love for old time country music, especially Patsy Cline. He was a loveably ornery, stubborn guy, happy to bicker with his wife, kids, and sometimes even the grandkids.

Roger is survived by his children Casey (Maria Clark) Pearson, Anna Pearson, and Amy Silver, of Cedar Rapids. Grandchildren Briana "Wiloe" Pearson, Crystal and Victoria Silver, Paul and Charles Pearson. Siblings Jerry (Bonnie) Pearson, George (Rose) Pearson, Phil Pearson, Phyllis (Gary) Husmann, Dennis Pearson. In-laws Burl (Ruth) Cummins, Harry Cummins, Mike (Edna) Kadlec, Marcia (Gary) Britcher, and Mark Kadlec. Roger had many, many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife, brother and sister-in-law Roy (Lois) Pearson, sister Wilda Cummins, and sister Priscilla Cummins. Lifelong friends Paul Garner, Steve Baker, and Charlie Baker.

The family would also like to thank everyone who tried their best to keep Roger healthy, including Dr. Jason Cogdill and Five Seasons DaVita Dialysis, Karl Holmes, PA-C and Dawn Koppes, RN. Thank you to the staff at St. Luke's: on 3rd floor, the palliative care team, and the hospice team.

As per Roger's wishes, there will be no services. Roger and Marylou requested that their ashes be combined and spread at several favorite places. That way, Marylou finally gets to decide where they go on vacation.

We think that Roger would like to be remembered by spending time with your grandpa or your dad, go with them to a tractor show or swap meet. But make sure to stop on the way for biscuits and gravy first.

RIP Home Boy.