Conrad Verner Pearson, 91

June 1, 1925 – January 3, 2017

Conrad Verner Pearson passed away on January 3, 2017, after a brief illness. Conrad was born to Peter Adolph and Karin Ingeborg Pearson on June 1, 1925. Both of his parents immigrated from Sweden, introducing him to the language/culture of their native country, as well as to their adopted land. He grew up in Mullan, Idaho, where his father worked in the local saw mill and his mother took in laundry to pay for piano lessons for Conrad and his older brother, Adolph Ragner ("Rags"). Con shared his boyhood with his cousin, George Wickberg, who eventually settled in McMinnville, becoming a teacher/counselor in the middle/high school system.

WWII broke out and, upon graduation from high school, Con enlisted in the Navy and (after passing basic training, without learning to swim), eventually was stationed in Pearl Harbor, where his duties included film projection and serving as supply clerk at the base. After serving his country, Conrad enrolled at Northern Illinois College of Optometry (courtesy of the GI Bill), located in Chicago, where he played piano in dance clubs to cover his expenses. After receiving his Doctor of Optometry degree, he returned to Idaho's Silver Valley, opening his practice in Kellogg. He eventually joined forces with Dr. E. Bruce Casady to form “Casady and Pearson, Optometrists," a partnership that lasted for 35 successful years.

Conrad met Genevieve (Jeni) Luella Schiewe in 1952 and they married soon after. Their first child, Roger Conrad, was born in 1953 and a daughter, Trudi Luella, followed in 1956. While in Kellogg, Con was a member of Kiwanis, the Kellogg Country Club, and the United Methodist/Congregational Church (where he served as an elder). He donated his time/services to his community, frequently visiting nursing homes and hospitals, providing comfort and visual assistance. He was also a silent benefactor to many needy families, supplying children with glasses and contact lens free of charge.

Following his 1988 retirement, Con and Jeni relocated to McMinnville, Oregon, where they joined Michelbook Golf Club and became members of the Lafayette Community Church. Con's retirement years allowed him to rekindle his love of music. He played piano for his church, at Hillside Manor, and at various country clubs, private parties, and holiday events throughout the Willamette Valley. He considered his music ability to be a gift from God and he played to “His” glory. Con particularly relished playing a romantic "oldie, but goody" for a couple and then watch them dance (or just gaze into each other's eyes) while he played "their song." He also recorded a CD of some of his more treasured classics, which he would distribute to admirers of his music.

Con looked forward to his daily "gab sessions" with his “buddies,” who shared coffee with him at Roth’s and Shari’s (where he and his dear friend "Smith" would tackle the Oregonian's daily "Jumble" puzzle), the friendships he cultivated at Larson Motors (where he worked as a "driver" for many years before his arthritis overtook him), Jerry's Optical Shop (where he "talked shop" and "swapped stories" during most afternoons) and Rejoice Piano Company (where he "tested" the rejuvenated pianos for potential buyers). He was spoiled by the waitresses at his favorite restaurants (Shari’s, Izzy's and Tommy’s), where he usually had a reserved seat. At Izzy's, he particularly enjoyed his "take-out" box, which usually included a couple "chicken legs" for an evening snack.

Conrad’s family is so thankful that he was able to live out his days independently at home, until a week before his death. This was made possible by his wonderful neighbors, Mike and June, and Gary and Peggy, who considered him the "Mayor" of the neighborhood. They were always available for assistance whenever necessary. The family shall forever be grateful for their incalculable acts of kindness and generosity.

Conrad was preceded in death by his parents, brother, and beloved wife, Jeni. He is survived by his son, Roger, daughter-in-law, Laura (Salem), grandsons, Ben (Eugene) and Nicholas (Salem), daughter, Trudi, son-in-law, Bill and grandson Jerrod Brown of Spokane, Washington, and niece, Dr. Karin Huffer of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

A memorial service will be held February 11, 2017, at 1:30 PM at Macy and Son Funeral Home in McMinnville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Lafayette Community Church or a local charity. To leave online condolences, please visit www.macyandson.com