Vernon B. 'Bud' Pearce

MASON CITY Vernon Bud Pearce, age 83, of Mason City, died Wednesday, March 17, 2010, at his residence surrounded by his family. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, March 20, 2010, at St. Josephs Catholic Church, 302 5th St. S.E., with Rev. Michael Schueller of Holy Family Catholic Church officiating. Per Vernons request, he will be cremated. Inurnment will take place in Oakwood Cemetery. A gathering of friends and family will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M., Friday, March 19, 2010 at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with a Scriptural Wake Service at 6:00 P.M. Memorials may be directed to the Hospice of North Iowa or Newman Catholic Schools.

Vernon was born September 2, 1926, in Hawkeye, IA, the son of John and Ida (Knapp) Pearce. He graduated from Plymouth schools. He served his country in the Navy during WWII. He married DeEtta Nemmers on May 3, 1952, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mason City. He drove truck early in life for Gamble Robinson, then went to work for Carnation Dairy delivering milk, worked at Deckers and then Agri Industries until his retirement at age 59. He enjoyed gardening, bird watching, fishing, watching all sports and genealogy. He loved spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren. Bud enjoyed going to Hardees with his coffee group in the morning. He was a proud attendee of the Honor Flight in October 2009. He was a long time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Vernon is survived by his wife of 57 years, DeEtta Pearce of Mason City; five sons, Randy (Mary Kay) Pearce of Minneapolis, MN, Rick (Colleen) Pearce of Rockwell, IA, Ron (Arlina) Pearce of Ankeny, IA, Roger (Dee) Pearce of Mason City, Rob (JoAnn) Pearce of Mason City; daughter, Deb Gretillat and special friend, Todd Kalkwarf, of Mason City; 12 grandchildren, Jacob Pearce and fiance, Jillian Waters, Jennifer and Jessica Pearce, Brian (Jennifer) and Kevin (Amy) Pearce, Stephanie (Nate) Garvey, Angela (Ben) Miller and Ashley Pearce, Logan and Brandon Pearce, and Lonora and Melonie Gretillat; great-grandchildren, Alexis, Jordan, Brayden and Kenadie Pearce; and many nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers; one sister.

Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
(641)423-0924
www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com