John C. Pearson Obituary (2022)

Cliff Pearson 94, was born May 1, 1928 in Waukegan to Walborg and Herman Pearson. He went to soar with the eagles on Oct. 26, 2022. A special sign-in bonus, fishing in heaven and a reunion with his family and long-time dear friends. The birth date & death date of the great man and legend, are not nearly as relevant as all the days that he lived his life to the fullest between those 2 dates. Honored to celebrate the time between the day he entered this world and the day he left. He lived a long happy life full of love.Cliff started fishing at a very young age with his father and brother, his love for fishing grew and continued throughout his life. He joined the Army when he was 18, and served for 2 years. He received a World War II Victory metal. Oct 28, 1950 He married his loving wife, Dorothy (née Mruk), ‘’the most wonderful woman in the world’’ as he always said, in North Chicago at Holy Rosary Church. He joined her to celebrate their 72nd anniversary in heaven. Dorothy encouraged Cliff to explore a career in firefighting. He was assigned to duty in 1954. He retired as fire lieutenant in 1986 after 31 years of service. The memories he had of being a Waukegan Firefighter, and his lifelong friendships were priceless. Cliff had two children, John & Laurie, and a grandson, Adam. He loved watching his grandson play sports (baseball, football, wrestling, and golf). He never missed a game. His fondest memories were his time spent fishing and golfing with Adam. Cliff also enjoyed taking anyone up on a game of cards, dice or backgammon. His favorite getaway was Boulder Junction in the north woods. Fishing was his most treasured pastime. Family vacations were always so much fun, making lifelong memories for all of us, along with our friends and extended family. Eventually, Boulder Junction turned into Cliffs home away from home. Cliff not only loved fishing, he enjoyed hunting, golfing, gardening and his dogs. A true animal lover. When up- north, If he wasn’t fishing, he was out feeding the deer who came to visit him each day for a pat on the head and a special treat. He had a loving family and many treasured friends, great fishing and hunting buddies, extended family and the most amazing neighbors who alway greeted him with a wave a smile or a helping hand. Cliff was an incredible man and will be missed by all who knew him. Please join us on November 5th, 2022, from 11:00 to 12:00, to wish Cliff farewell at Peterson Patch Funeral Home 408 N. Sheridan Rd. Waukegan, IL. Please sign our online guestbook at www.waukeganfunerals.com