Ronald Edmund Pearce

Age 91, of Holt, MI, passed away on January 2, 2021. He was born in Lansing, Michigan on November 18, 1929, to the late John “Bob” and Bernice Pearce. Ron was preceded in death by his brother, Norman “Gene” Pearce.

Ron graduated from Holt High School, Class of 1948. After high school, he worked for Michigan State University as a field tester. He was then hired at Oldsmobile as a Die Sinking apprentice.

He married the former Carroll “Rooney” Noxon in 1950, before entering the Korean conflict and then serving his duty in Alaska. Ron retired from Oldsmobile in 1987, having worked the bulk of his career at Plant 2 as a journeyman and later as a shop foreman. During this time, he made many long-lasting friendships and enjoyed the work that was offered.

Ron and Rooney were married for 50 years, ending with her death in 2001. During their marriage, they raised two children, John and Jane. After his wife’s passing, Ron lived and traveled extensively with the late Beverly Hause. Ron and Bev enjoyed live music, travel, playing cards and spending time with Bev’s and his grandchildren. They spent winters enjoying the beach and company in Orange Beach, AL.

Over the past two years, Ron shared a great majority of his time with his dear friend and companion Carol Haasch. Ron’s interests were numerous and varied. Most of his early interests were related to his passion for travel. He enjoyed flying, riding motorcycles, snowmobiling and RV camping. In the early 1960’s, Ron and his family made many cross-country flights to Florida and around the state of Michigan. R&R traveled out west, many times on his under-powered boxer twin. His overall philosophy was to enjoy the beautiful scenery and get better gas mileage. Camping and golf were activities he enjoyed with friends and family until the end. Inclusion of friends in these activities was always cherished. Ron’s interest in small game and deer hunting; a skill he used in his youth to acquire food for his parents and brother during the war, were passed onto his kids and grandson. Since the mid-60s, Ron was involved with the Holt Kiwanis Club and after retirement from the Olds, he volunteered at the R. J. Scheffel Memorial Toy Project.

Ron is survived by his son, John Pearce (Suzanne), daughter, Jane Pearce (Douglas Cermak), grandchildren, Megan Pearce (Michael Devenny) and Eric Pearce (Katherine) and two great- grandchildren, Ainsley and Isaac Devenny. Surviving also are Mark (Lisa) Pearce, Robert (Chrissie) Pearce, Joshua (Sarah) Cermak and numerous family and close friends.

Ron was loved and will be missed dearly.

Memorial contributions, in memory of Ronald, may be made to the R. J. Scheffel Memorial Toy Project or to the Greater Lansing Food Bank.