Lowell & Margaret Pearson

For over 50 years, Lowell and Margaret Pearson were active members of the Alcester United Church of Christ.

Lowell served as Head Usher for over 25 years, while Margaret served the church in a number of capacities, and was often considered the "church historian".

In his ushering duties, Lowell was known by the children of the church to carry a pocketful of hard candies that he would hand out as they entered or left church services.

Lowell W. Pearson was born November 21, 1910 in Alcester to parents H.O. and Sophie (Peterson) Pearson and entered into death on February 28, 1997 at the Morningside Manor Nursing Home in Alcester, at the age of 86 years, three months and seven days.

Lowell attended Finn School and later worked on the home farm and for Pete Hughes and Rube Malm. In 1939 he started working for Lincoln-Union Rural Electric.

Margaret K. Riley was born January 7, 1917 in Sioux Falls, SD, to parents Thomas and Emma (Mikkelsen) Riley and entered into death on June 9, 2000, at the Canton-Inwood Memorial Hospital at the age of 83 years, five months and two days.

Margaret grew up on a farm east of Irene, SD, and attended schools in Turner and Yankton counties. She graduated from Wakonda High School in 1935. She did housework in the Irene and Yankton areas until 1938 when she moved to Alcester to keep house for Darrel and Patsy Warner.

Lowell and Margaret married on March 20, 1942 in Dakota City, NE. Lowell entered the U.S. Army just one week later. Margaret joined Lowell at his stations in Texas, California and Arizona, until Lowell was transferred to England and Europe. At that time Margaret returned to Yankton to work at Montgomery Ward and Rexall Drug.

Lowell spent 1944 in Europe, fighting in WW II under General Patton and the 3rd Army. During his tour in Europe, he served at Saint Lo, Normandy and The Battle of the Bulge.

After Lowell’s discharge from the Army, the couple returned to Alcester where Lowell returned to work at Lincoln-Union Electric, retiring in 1972. After his retirement he worked for several years at Alcester Feed and Grain. Margaret was employed as a part-time postal clerk for 28 years, also retiring in 1972.

After their retirement, Lowell and Margaret enjoyed taking many trips with tour groups.

Lowell was a 50-year member of the Alcester VFW, served on the Alcester City Council including two terms as Mayor, was a volunteer fireman, a member of the Lion’s Club, and played the part of "Santa Claus" for over 30 years. Lowell was awarded the Citizen of the Year Award in 1986.

Besides her many church activities, Margaret was a member of the Alcester VFW Auxiliary and served on the Pleasant Hill Cemetery Board from 1960 to 1990.

The Alcester United Church of Christ will be forever grateful to the Pearson’s for the monetary gift given by them to the church. The gift will allow for the expansion of the church with construction set for 2002.