Robert (Bob) Wayne Pearson, 72, of Lewis, Wisconsin, died peacefully in his sleep at home on Jan. 8, 2026, with his partner, Debbie, at his side.
Bob was born on July 12, 1953, in Siren, Wisconsin, to Arvid and Inez Pearson. He was the middle of three boys growing up on the family farm in Lewis, Wisconsin. From his father, Bob gained respect for the soil, a habit of fixing and tinkering, and a lifelong instinct to document everything with a camera. From his mother, he absorbed a strong sense of family, compassion, and loyalty to others. These values quietly guided him throughout his life.
Bob attended the Lewis Grade School, graduated from Frederic High School in 1971, and earned his pilot’s license at an aviation school in Greeley, Colorado.
He operated Pearson’s Flying Service out of the Burnett County Airport, providing flying lessons and short trips by prop plane. During this time, he became a father to his daughter, Jessica, a role he cherished deeply. Bob’s days at the airport led him to work as a pilot for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, tracking wildlife and assisting with fire patrol. Flying was his passion, but Bob was never defined by a single job or title. What mattered most to him was the process of learning something new.
Known to many as “Dr. Bob,” he could mend just about anything. He was always modifying, customizing, and improving things until they worked exactly the way he thought they should. Bob thrived on problem-solving and explaining how things worked. He was an excellent storyteller and story maker, animated and funny as heck. A regular, imperfect guy who made friends easily and kept them for life.
Community was a common thread in Bob’s life. He was a sportsman and active in local gun clubs for decades. He enjoyed bowling leagues, snowmobile racing, playing chess, golfing, jet skis, happy hour, and gardening. Bob was a legendary pig roaster, a master chicken cooker, and eager to fire up the grill. He loved a pocket tee, a mug of beer, and good company.
Bob is survived by his daughter, Jessica Pearson; partner, Debbie Deal; brother, James (Verlene) Pearson; sister-in-law, Terri Pearson (widow to Lonny); two nieces and one nephew; and many extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arvid and Inez Pearson; and his brother, Lonny Pearson.
Bob was commended in prayer alongside his brother, Lonny, on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Grantsburg, Wisconsin. A memorial celebration honoring Bob’s life will be held in May, with details to follow.
You are invited to leave condolences, memories, and photos at rowefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the Rowe Funeral Home in Frederic, Wisconsin, 715-327-4475.
