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Elmer Pearson
April 25, 1940 - April 18, 2020

Elmer R. Pearson, 79, of Oelwein, Iowa passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2020 at Buchanan County Health Center in Independence, Iowa.  A private family service will be held with burial in the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence. 

Elmer was born on April 25, 1940 in Waterloo, Iowa the son of Howard and Gladyce (Metz) Pearson. He was a graduate of the Oelwein High School Class of 1958.  He was united in marriage to Patty L. Holtzman on May 20, 1963 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. He worked for awhile with the Chicago Great Western Railroad and then entered into Law Enforcement with the Oelwein Police Dept. and then with the Iowa State Patrol for 31 years, with 10 of those years as a pilot, retiring in 1995. He was first introduced to law enforcement at age 17 when the Oelwein Chief of Police put a badge on his chest and said, “Now hit the streets”. 

Elmer enjoyed golf, playing pool, bowling, shuffle board, riding his motorcycle, the Chicago Cubs and his woodworking.  Elmer and Patty wintered in Texas for 21 years.  He was a member of the DPS (Department of Public Safety), the Policeman’s Association and on the Civil Service Board. Elmer enjoyed being around his friends and family and making sure they didn’t really know if he was pulling your leg or not. He was a friend to all and will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Patty of Oelwein; a son JR (Marcia) Pearson of Pella, Iowa ; a daughter, Lynn (Greg) Hovatter of Traer, Iowa; three grandchildren, Josh, Lindsay and Rachel; four great grandchildren, Maddilynn, Carson, Dustin and Karlynn. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

All Iowa Law Enforcement Officers will be considered Honorary Casket Bearers.

 

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Bryan & Sherry Barker on April 21, 2020 at 6:37 AM said:

Ms. Patty, JR and family,

We had the privilege of working not only with Trooper Elmer but Sgt. JR. as well. It was the 70's and I was the first female officer in Butler Co. I worked with so many men who were great leaders as well as role models, and Elmer was one of those shining lights. He was a great family man and so proud of all of you. There was never a question he was not willing to answer or guidance that he would give with what he would do in the same situation and why. Bryan also worked with him in Nashua and Oelwein. Please know that our Law Enforcement family is keeping you all, in our thoughts and prayers. We thank your family, for the years of service you provide. Take care...Sherry.
Jesse Paul Sr. and Christy on April 21, 2020 at 5:58 AM said:

Patty,
We were just made aware of Elmer's passing. We always enjoy your thoughts on "Messenger. I recall always begging for rides on his motorcycle. Sometimes I even got that ride. I vividly recall his chatting us up after he came upon I and a college friend hitchhiking from Cedar Falls to Omaha. I believe he was one of the good souls who influenced me towards decades in law enforcement. He was a good man, a fine officer and will be missed.
God Bless.
Elmer Pearson on April 21, 2020 at 4:46 AM said:

was so sry to hear about your loss..we remember Elmer from our past in Parkersburg..our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family..Renee and Bob Yost
Sheryl Gosse & family on April 20, 2020 at 9:39 PM said:

Patti & family, We are sorry for your loss, he was the best of the best. Know we are all here for you. Cherish the wonderful memories you shared tog., as family with all your friends. RIP Elmer....enjoy seeing your beautiful pieces of woodworking over the years. You was a wonderful friend to many, glad to have known you. Enjoyed our visits at CC as did others!
Janet Bidwell on April 20, 2020 at 4:07 PM said:

You don't know me but I want to offer my very deepest sympathies to Elmer's family. My Dad (Bob Walters) was also an Iowa State Trooper. I was just a kid when Elmer started out and rode with my Dad for a time. I was raised to show respect for those in Law Enforcement and I still feel the same way today. I remember Elmer and the fine gentleman that he was. I am very sorry for your loss and send my heartfelt sympathies to all of you. May God Bless You and give you comfort at this sad time.
Patti, Michael & Marina Meyer on April 20, 2020 at 2:02 PM said:

Patty, JR & Lynn & families...SO terribly sorry of the loss of Elmer. What an amazing man...always ready with a smile and a joke. Never really knew if he was telling me the truth or not...but loved his sense of humor. Heaven gained a Hero...one that will never be forgotten. Our deepest sympathies. Patti, Michael & Marina
Karen Gilson on April 20, 2020 at 1:48 PM said:

I am so sorry Patty for the loss of Elmer. He was a good and honest man who could always make us smile. Take care of yourself and know you and your family are in my prayers.
Connie Ellis on April 20, 2020 at 1:31 PM said:

Patty, I’m so sorry to hear of Elmer’s passing. May the Lord comfort you and give you peace.
Connie Ellis on April 20, 2020 at 1:31 PM said:

Patty, I’m so sorry to hear of Elmer’s passing. May the Lord comfort you and give you peace.
Connie Ellis on April 20, 2020 at 1:31 PM said:

Patty, I’m so sorry to hear of Elmer’s passing. May the Lord comfort you and give you peace.
Craig Fratzke on April 20, 2020 at 1:16 PM said:

Patty and Family-
So sorry to hear about Elmer. The last time we visited was when he stopped by my Mom’s room at Oelwein CC when I happened to be there. I suspect he stopped by other times as well he was a good and kind person. I hope all the happy memories you hold in your hearts will be a help in the days ahead-??
dewey jontz on April 20, 2020 at 11:35 AM said:

I send my sympathy to Patty and family .Elmer was always a worker and a great enforcement officer.Back in the Parkersburg days and flying out of District 9 he could be counted on. Take comfort in the fact he in a better place. Dewey Jontz
Mike and Paula Reyerson on April 20, 2020 at 11:28 AM said:

Pattie and family - we are so sorry to hear that Elmer has lost his long battle and is making his jounery home. We both are blessed because Elmer touched our lives in so many ways. We are keeping your entire family in our thoughts and prayers and please call should you need anything.??
Mike and Paula Reyerson on April 20, 2020 at 11:28 AM said:

Pattie and family - we are so sorry to hear that Elmer has lost his long battle and is making his jounery home. We both are blessed because Elmer touched our lives in so many ways. We are keeping your entire family in our thoughts and prayers and please call should you need anything.??
Roma Ries on April 20, 2020 at 10:25 AM said:

Prayers and thoughts for you all and your families Patty ,Junior,And Lynn. Knowing Jesus personally Gives us ‘absent from earth,present with the Lord.’ Though missed dearly already ,may it be a comfort to each of you that Elmer is in Heaven and Healed.Next time you see Elmer ,it will be for Eternity...thank You Jesus.

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