Norman "Gene" Pearce

Age 78, passed away on May 4, 2012.  He was born in Holt on July 1, 1933, to the late John “Bob” and Bernice Pearce.  Gene graduated from Holt High School, Class of 1951.  He was an outstanding athlete, winning “All State” honors in football and a state championship in track.  He attended MSU on a football scholarship and was later drafted into the army, where he made the “All Army” team playing football in Germany.  He married Carol Hintz on September 20, 1958, in Lansing, MI.  Gene worked as a firefighter for the East Lansing Fire Department, starting in 1961, where he was known as Norm by his fellow firefighters.  He retired in 1990 as a Deputy Commander.  Gene was an avid follower of all sports, and was especially fond of hunting and fishing with family and friends at their cabin up north.  In later years he enjoyed playing Euchre with friends at the American Legion and the local bar.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Carol, and an infant son, James.  He is survived by sons, Mark (Lisa), Robert (Chrissie); brother, Ronald; several cherished grandchildren, and a niece and nephew.  A visitation with family and friends will be held at Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel on May 12, 2012, from 1:00-3:00 and 4:30-6:30 p.m.  Donations can be made to Hospice of Lansing, Inc.