Wallace G. Pearson SR., M.D.
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Wallace G. Pearson SR., M.D.

  • May 30, 1931 - October 15, 2011
  • Marquette, Michigan
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“Wally's death still makes me sad and I know it was such a surprise. I remember the trips we made between MO and MI to see each other, particularly...Read More » ”
1 of 36 | Posted by: Jeff Wayman - Austin, TX

“Dear Family of Wallace Pearson: Dr. Pearson was my doctor from 1968 until his retirement. He was a wonderful doctor, one that I trusted...Read More » ”
2 of 36 | Posted by: Nona L. (Peterson) Hornung - MI

“Dear Pearson Family, Wallace was my Godfather and the last living relative of my Dad's (Dick McKenzie) that I knew. I'm saddened to hear of his...Read More » ”
3 of 36 | Posted by: Jann McKenzie Redinger - MI

“Doctor Pearson was a loyal and valued alumus of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Michigan. We know he was committed...Read More » ”
4 of 36 | Posted by: Timothy Johnson MD - Ann Arbor, MI

“To Wally's family... Wally was a Great part of our lives... babies, boating, Rotery and loving all of us. Enjoy all of the joy he left and...Read More » ”
5 of 36 | Posted by: Bob & Karen Stow - Loudon, TN

“My most sincere sympathy to the Wally Pearson family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. I shared many years working...Read More » ”
6 of 36 | Posted by: Elna Muelle - Marquette, MI

“To the Pearson family, I worked with Wally on OB for 18 yrs. I always looked forward to his deliveries. His compassion, professionalism, and...Read More » ”
7 of 36 | Posted by: Carol Campbell - Au Train, MI

“Katie, Barrett, Kaitlin and Cam - You are in our thoughts. I hope you find comfort sharing the many memories of you father/grandfather with family...Read More » ”
8 of 36 | Posted by: Maureen Ronquist - Peotskey, MI

“To the Pearson Family, Wally was a truely dear friend to both Bill and me. When we first came to Marquette and he found out I had an Ob Gyn...Read More » ”
9 of 36 | Posted by: Bill and Barb Lyons - Marquette, MI

“All, I am many thousands of miles away from where I want to be right now to support my family at this tough time, but no one better than Doc would...Read More » ”
10 of 36 | Posted by: CAPT Timothy Spratto, USN - MI

“My sincere condolences to the Pearson family. Wally was my mentor when I joined the Marquette West Rotary Club 15 years ago. His dedication to...Read More » ”
11 of 36 | Posted by: Greg - Marquette, MI

“To the Pearson Family; Please accept our sincere sympathy for the loss of a great person. As a Rotarian PDG, I know that Wally made Rotary better...Read More » ”
12 of 36 | Posted by: Sue and John Morris - Minocqua, WI

“Wally was leaving Advantedge Sports one Saturday morning as I was arriving. We chatted briefly, then he said, "Chuck, take care of your self." He was...Read More » ”
13 of 36 | Posted by: Chuck Tooman - Marquette, MI

“I Worked with Dr. Pearson in the OR at MGH. I remember how much I looked forward to spending the day with him. He always brought his own CD's to...Read More » ”
14 of 36 | Posted by: Treva Dyson - Lenexa, KS

“I am very sorry to hear of his passing. He delivered my daughter Heather Melissa. He was a very kind and gentle man. ”
15 of 36 | Posted by: Kerry Nyquist - Marquette, MI

“Although, I've only known Wally for a few years, he has left an indelible imprint on me. My conversations with him ranged over a wide variety of...Read More » ”
16 of 36 | Posted by: Jay Roy - Marquette, MI

“To the Pearson family: Wally was of the first physicians we talked to at Marquette General, and we were very favorably impressed. He had the...Read More » ”
17 of 36 | Posted by: Daniel J. Arnold - Marquette, MI

“You don't know me, but Dr. Pearson delivered my first daughter 35 years ago and at that time forewarned me that when I reached my 50's I would...Read More » ”
18 of 36 | Posted by: Muriel Kangas - Marquette, MI

“Our hearts go out to the Pearson family and to Betty.Wally was a kind and gentle man. I'll miss him and the tmes we spent together. He was a true...Read More » ”
19 of 36 | Posted by: Frank Allen - Marquette, MI

“Dear Pearson Family, This is not an easy time for you and words are hard to come by during these times. Please know my thoughts are with you all...Read More » ”
20 of 36 | Posted by: Bill Blohm - Marquette, MI

“We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers go out to all of the Pearson family. ”
21 of 36 | Posted by: John & Kathy (McGraw) Watson - MI

“Katie, May the shoulders of family and friends carry your sorrow and their arms hold you with love and support. You and your family have my...Read More » ”
22 of 36 | Posted by: Sandy Caviani - Marquette, MI

“Dear Pearson family, As a Director of Rotary International, I wish to express the sadness we all feel with the loss of a good Rotarian and a good...Read More » ”
23 of 36 | Posted by: Betsy Demaray - Sault Ste. Marie, MI

“I always looked forward to seeing Wally whenerver I came back to visit home. My sympathies to all of his fine children and their families. ”
24 of 36 | Posted by: Steven A. Clark - Beverly Hills, MI

“Kate, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. He raised a wonderful, kind, intelligent, and compassionat daughter in you. Raquel ”
25 of 36 | Posted by: Raquel Fernandez-Earns - MI

“We would like to extend our condolences to Wally's family . We do hope the fond memories will be of some comfort to his family We have fond memories...Read More » ”
26 of 36 | Posted by: Les & Toni Dyer - Helens Bay, MI

“I was saddened the day Dr. Pearson announced his retirement, but I'm even more saddened to hear of his passing. He treated us patients like we were...Read More » ”
27 of 36 | Posted by: Lois Kampe - Marquette, MI

“Wally was one of my closest friends, one of the few I would trust with my life. The feeling was mutual and we knew it. To tell stories of our Rotary...Read More » ”
28 of 36 | Posted by: Pryse Duerfeldt - Negaunee, MI

“Joanne and my prayers and thoughts are with the extended Pearson family and Betty. We enjoyed our evening out last June 29th on our trip through. ...Read More » ”
29 of 36 | Posted by: Tom & Joanne Cline - Saginaw, MI

“Pearson Family, A talented and gifted man. He meant a great deal to me. My deepest sympathies. ”
30 of 36 | Posted by: Pam (Harden) Nyquist - MI

“Condolences to the Pearsons, my brothers and sisters and I will miss seeing your dad strolling the camp road (usually accompanied by Abby). All the...Read More » ”
31 of 36 | Posted by: Karl Sponberg - Bellingham, WA

“Dr. Pearson was a very gentle and compassionate man. We were very privileged to have known and worked with him. Our condolences to his family. ...Read More » ”
32 of 36 | Posted by: Kathleen Normand - Gaylord, MI

“We share in your loss. Wally touched so many lives with joy and love. Hold fast to the many good memories. God made a few very special people who...Read More » ”
33 of 36 | Posted by: north shetter - MI

“On behalf of the Marquette/Alger County Medical Society, I'd like to extend condolences to Dr. Pearson's family. Dr. Pearson was a wonderful...Read More » ”
34 of 36 | Posted by: Mary (Tavernini) Dowling - MI

“Dr. Pearson will always be in my thoughts and prayers. He was the kindest of souls and always made me feel at ease. He will be sorely missed. Our...Read More » ”
35 of 36 | Posted by: Liz Ellis - AZ

“Dr. Pearson was the first doctor I had back in 1964. He was still in the Air Force at the base hospital and delivered all my children. He was such a...Read More » ”
36 of 36 | Posted by: Sharon Petrella - Marquette, MI


Wallace George Pearson, Sr., M.D., age 80, of Marquette, MI, died unexpectedly, but peacefully at home on Saturday, October 15, 2011. Born May 30, 1931 in Kirksville, MO, Wallace was the son of Wallace Miles Pearson, D.O. and Ethel Blanche (Newman) Pearson, D.O. He was an only child. In 1949, Wallace graduated from J. W. Sexton High School in Lansing, MI where he was a drum major in the marching band. He received a Bachelor of Science degree, completed medical school, and a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology -- all at his beloved University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. After residency, he was commissioned a captain in the US Air Force and was stationed at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in Marquette, MI where he helped establish an Obstetrics and Gynecology department. After leaving active duty in 1963, he spent the next 31 years practicing obstetrics and gynecology in Marquette and during the course of his career, delivered 3800 children. His patients, fellow physicians, and the community at large recognized and appreciated his unwavering commitment to providing quality health care for women. He served as Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Marquette General Hospital for twenty-four years and was the president of the Norman F. Miller Gynecological Society. He was a formative member of the Marquette Medical Center and the regional chapter of Planned Parenthood as well as its volunteer medical director for 20 years. In recognition of his contribution to women�s health, he received the Alan D. Guttmacher Medallion and the Martha Hatch Distinguished Science Award from Planned Parenthood. In 1970, Wallace joined Marquette Rotary Club and enjoyed many years of association with this service group. Wallace was selected as a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, served as District Governor from 1996-1997, and happily participated in the annual Seafood Fest fundraiser and the Rotary student exchange program. In his younger years, Wallace enjoyed sailing on the Bright Star, tennis, alpine skiing, photography, and hosting family gatherings at Middle Island Point. Most recently, he cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren, his loving companion, Betty Woods, and his many dear friends. He is survived by his six children Kathryn (Barrett) Ludlow of Petoskey, MI, Pamela (Joseph) McGraw of Traverse City, MI, Wallace George II, M.D. (Carrie) of Marquette, Brooke (Timothy) Spratto of Yorktown, VA, Brett Pearson of Denver, CO, and Cynthia (Timothy) Hein of Camas, WA and twelve grandchildren Caitlin and Camden Ludlow, Ian and Connor McGraw, Miles, Emmet and Madison Spratto, Taylor, Elle and Sierra Pearson, and Zachary and Riley Hein. Wallace was preceded in death by his parents and second wife, Sandra Jean (Wheeler), in 2008. Visitation with the family will be held Sunday, October 23, 2011 at Canale Tonella Funeral Home in Marquette from 2-5pm. A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 24 at Messiah Lutheran Church in Marquette at 11:00am. with the Rev. David VanKley officiating. Pallbearers are Brett Pearson, Joseph McGraw, Barrett Ludlow, Camden Ludlow, Ian McGraw, Connor McGraw, Miles Spratto and Emmet Spratto. Honorary pallbearers are Brian Claus, Frank Allen, Chris Wilkinson, Timothy Spratto, and Timothy Hein. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Dr. Pearson to the F. Wallace and Janet Jeffries Professorship (Jeffries Professorship) in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Michigan (check should be made payable to the University of Michigan) and mailed to Jennifer Edwards, University of Michigan Office of Medical Development, 1000 Oakbrook, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-6815 or to Planned Parenthood of West and Northern Michigan, 1219 N. Third Street, Marquette, MI, 49855. For inquiries, please contact Canale Tonella Funeral Home at (906) 226-2711, 526 North Third Street, Marquette, MI, 49855. Condolences and special memories may be shared at www.canalefuneral.com