Donna J. Pearson

Donna Jane Pearson, 85, died on June 3, 2025, at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospital following a brief and sudden illness. She was born to John and Jennie Pananen on March 16, 1940, in Iron River, WI. She was a longtime resident of Superior and graduated from Central High School in 1958. She was a member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church.

Donna worked for St. Louis County Social Services as an Information Specialist for 25 years. She enjoyed the fast-paced work and meeting interesting people. Donna enjoyed gardening, reading, cooking, and baking. She loved spending time with family and was never at a loss for words, even if it meant making one up. She told hilarious stories about jobs she never had and places she’d never been. She was proud of being 100% Finn and sprinkled Finnish words into everyday conversations. She was enthusiastic and energetic to the point of being unable to sit still and may have invented multitasking. This world will be a less interesting place without her in it.

The family would like to thank the amazing ICU team at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospital. Every single person there was dedicated and kind and empathetic.

Donna is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Roger Pearson, her parents, her sisters Helen, Delores, and Carol, and her brothers Erland and Jim.

She is survived by her children Ann (David) Kjaer and Erik (Diana) Pearson, her grandchildren Savannah Kjaer, Isabel Kjaer, and Anton Pearson, her sisters Arlene Franzen and Linda (Lowell) Schultz, and her brothers Cliff (Jackie) Pananen, Albert Pananen, and Don Pananen, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Per Donna’s request, there will be no public services or visitation.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th Street in Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.