Clifford L. Pearthree

Clifford Laverne Pearthree, 82, longtime Superior resident, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, August 18, 2012 at the Golden Living Center after a lengthy illness.

He was born on August 4, 1930 in Carlton County, MN to Maisie and Arleigh Pearthree.

He was a graduate of the Central High School, the Class of 1948. He attended Wisconsin Technical School and became a Sheet Metal Mechanic working for A E Holmes and Central Sheet Metal, retiring in 1988 and being a proud member of the Sheet Metal Union for 50+ years.


He served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict and was a member of the American Legion.


On May 13, 1952 he married his true love, Rhoda Ann Eng and was a loving and devoted husband sharing sixty years together.

Cliff was a faithful member of Concordia Lutheran Church and generously gave of his time and talents, always willing to help in any way he could. He served on the church council, and on several committees and the Riverside Cemetery board. He sang in the church choir for many years. He was active in the Concordia Brotherhood. Cliff was a key person for implementation of the first church bus and converting the fireside room into a chapel. He enjoyed meeting a group of church buddies for Friday morning coffee. He also was a member of the Sons of Norway. In his earlier years he was involved as a Boy Scout leader for Troop 213.

After retirement, he and Rhoda enjoyed many winters in Mesa, AZ and traveling to visit family and friends, including a trip to Europe.

Cliff was a very creative and talented man. His hobbies included woodworking, woodturning, silversmith/lapidary and stained glass. He was always working on various projects and built their family home in 1977. He loved to bake bread and rolls, especially cinnamon rolls for family gatherings.

Cliff was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. We were richly blessed with many quality years and he will be deeply missed but his memory will live within our hearts forever.

He is survived by his wife, Rhoda; children, Steven (Randy Rowoldt) Pearthree, Minneapolis, MN, Beth (Brian) Wiirre and Lou (Dale) Kuhlman; grandchildren, Adam (Jennifer) Kuhlman, Jessie Kuhlman; great-granddaughter, Hazel Kuhlman, all of Superior, WI; brother, Bill (Jerry) Pearthree, Warner Robbins, GA and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents as well as three sisters, Arlene Saari, Louise King and Myrtle Sharon.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 25, 2012 at Concordia Lutheran Church, 1708 John Avenue, Superior and continue until the 11:30 AM memorial service with Pastor Gary Garnatz officiating.


Should friends desire, memorials may be made in Cliff’s name to Concordia Lutheran Church or the charity of the donor’s choice.

The family appreciates the medical care given by Dr. Gale Kerns and the cardiac support staff at Essentia Health throughout his lengthy illness.

The Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior is assisting the family with arrangements.
To leave an online condolence or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.downs-lesage.com.