Ronald Lee “Papa” Pearson

HARTINGTON — Ronald Lee “Papa” Pearson, 59, Hartington, died Oct. 30, 2020, at Sanford USD Medical Center, Sioux Falls, S.D., due to complications from Covid-19.

Visitation will be Wednesday, from 6-8 p.m,. at the Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington, and will continue Thursday, one hour prior to services at church.

Funeral services will be Nov. 5, at 10:30 a.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, Hartington, with the Rev. Amanda Talley officiating.

Burial will be Nov. 5, at 2 p.m., in Salem, S.D.

Pallbearers will be Bryan Pearson, Jason Morgan, Chad Morgan, Derek Johnson, Thad Johnson, Brady Johnson, Tyler Kathol, Devante Shaw and Richie Lugo.

Honorary pallbearer will be Benjamin Graff. You may watch a livestream of the funeral at https:www.

You may watch a livestream of the funeral at https:www. facebook.com/WintzRay/live/. Face masks and social distancing are required for the visitation and funeral. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington.

Ronald Lee was born July 9, 1961 to Everett and Sylvia (Hammer) Pearson in Sioux Falls, S.D. He grew up on a farm near Salem, S.D., with his parents and four siblings. He attended school in Salem, graduating in 1979. After his graduation, he attended Mitchell Technical Institute in Mitchell, S.D., earning a telecommunications degree. Ron married Lynn Graphenteen May 2, 1981, and moved to Hartington, to begin working at the Hartington Telephone Company July 1, 1981. He and Lynn had two children, Melissa, born in 1984, and Cory, in 1987.

Ron was active with his church (Trinity Lutheran Church) and church council, Hartington Public School Board, Hartington Park Board, his kids’ activities and happenings, Cedar County Theater productions, and Special Olympics. He also took a mission trip to Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. Ron always liked to be involved in and helping out with anything. He was often the “go to” guy for many things for his family and community. He also liked to spend his time hunting and golfing. In 2011, he met his best buddy, Ben Graff, and remained active with him and his activities. This is how he earned his proud title of Papa. Papa and Ben’s love was very special for each of them. Ron is survived by his daughter and spouse, Melissa (Donald)

Ron is survived by his daughter and spouse, Melissa (Donald) Shaw, Sioux Falls, S.D.; son, Cory Pearson, Hartington; Melissa and Cory’s mother, Lynn (Mark) Onnen, Manson, Iowa; one sister, Marilyn (Randy) Morgan, Letcher, S.D.; two sisters-in-law, Lecia (Steve) Stagner, Lead, S.D., and Laura (Talis) Johnson, Sioux Falls, S.D.; best friend, Ben Graff, Sioux Falls, S.D.; many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews; brother-inlaw, Dale Painter, Baltic, S.D.; and his dogs, Chili and Trigger, aka Beagle.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Sylvia Pearson; parents-in-law, Leslie and Linda Graphenteen; siblings, Nancy Painter, James Pearson; and sister, Valerie (Pearson) Lange, and brother-in-law, David Lange.