Marlys JoAnn Pearson

“...Well done, good and faithful servant...Enter into the joy of your lord.” • Matthew 25:23 Perhaps the embodiment of good and faithful servanthood, Marlys JoAn Pearson entered into the joy of her Lord July 1, 2025 after a lengthy battle with a myriad of ailments. Born to Reverend George Valentine and Elsa Elizabeth Peterson on March 25, 1943 in Amery, WI, she is a 1961 graduate of Stephenson High School in Wallace, MI and attended Northern Michigan University to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. A career of juggling multiple jobs led her to apply her skills while employed at Berlin Memorial Hospital, Juliette Manor, Berlin EMS, Moraine Park Technical College (as an instructor), Ripon College (campus nurse), ThedaCare, Wisconsin Department of Corrections (prison nurse, Waupun) and Aurora Healthcare. She also served her local church (Berlin Assembly of God/Faith Community Church) as a Children’s choir director, Children’s church coordinator and vocalist. Much of her married life was also spent in tireless commitment to her mother who came to live with the newly formed Pearson family just after the wedding. It was not uncommon for JoAn to work 20 hours per day and still tend to her mother and family before starting fresh the next day. Always willing to give and to serve, she was often behind-the-scenes cleaning and coordinating many of her husband’s and son’s community-related events. She provided haircuts and healthcare to her sons’ collegiate basketball teammates, never traveling to a game day without her shears and first aid kit. Most recently, she was known to man the “game counter” at Berlin’s P4K Youth Center, handing out videogames and advice and encouragement at the same time. She took most pride in her family — and generally was content to disappear into whatever they may be doing or needing. A willing “Mrs. P” to her well-known husband, she worked to provide for area students’ and their families in a wide variety of ways. A quiet character, she was rarely heard by the masses. Those to whom she was less reserved will remember her quick wit and keen observational skills. Ironically, she will probably be best remembered for covert kindness and contributions most people will never even know she did. A woman of deep faith, those closest to her rejoice in her ability to finally “enter into the joy of the Lord”. Her absence will be felt but her legacy of giving will outlive the sorrow. She is preceded in death by her parents (George and Elsa), her husband of 51 years, Donn; siblings, George, Alan, Dwight, Dick, David and Joyce. She is survived by her two sons, Troy (Becky) of Farmington, MN and Shawn (Dawn) of Berlin; Granddaughters, Morgan Vega (Roberto) of Miami, FL and Mikayla Williams (Daniel) of Minneapolis; great-granddaughters, Amica and Violet; foster son, Tim (Patrice) Magdanz and his children, Elizabeth Bonson (Tim) with daughters Ruth and Molly of Neenah; and Hunter (Sarah) of Madison; as well as brothers, Dan (TX), Mel (CA) and Paul (IL). Visitation is set for Friday, July 11, 2025 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Wiecki-Skipchak Funeral Home (116 S. Adams Ave.). A brief service will commence at noon followed by a graveside committal at Bush Cemetery.

Marlys JoAnn Pearson

March 25, 1943 - July 1, 2025