Rita A. Pearson

Rita Adeline Pearson, age 80, of Detroit Lakes, MN, died January 27, 2026, at home (Erie Township) by Detroit Lakes, MN.

Rita A. Pearson was born July 12, 1945, in Detroit Lakes, MN to John L and Mary (Braun) DuChene. She was the first in her family to be born in a hospital. Rita grew up in Callaway Township 0.5 miles north of Callaway, MN and attended school in the City of Callaway. There were no school buses in those days so she walked to school. She attended Detroit Lakes High School graduating in 1963. On June 15, 1963, she was united in marriage to Kenneth (Ken) R. Pearson. The first year of their marriage they lived near and in Detroit Lakes. The next 40 years they lived and raised their family in Callaway, MN. The next 16 years were spent living on the farm 2 miles east of Westbury, MN on the farm Ken grew up on. The remainder of time they lived in Twin Haven Estates 7 miles east of Detroit Lakes on T. H. 34. Rita also enjoyed the last 11 years wintering in Mesa, AZ. Rita worked for the Detroit Lakes School District for 28.5. years at the Callaway School starting as the playground supervisor and most of the later years in food service as the lead server. She retired in May of 2000.

Rita had many interests, talents and hobbies. She enjoyed knitting and sewing and made clothes for the older granddaughters and made baptismal gowns for the grandchildren using material from her wedding dress. She enjoyed ceramics, painting scenic pictures, playing guitar and organ, flower gardening, dancing, taking family photos, playing dominos, trips to Mexico shopping, collecting angels and in later years crocheting. She was also the scorekeeper for many years of softball games. She enjoyed bowling where she served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Friday night mixed doubles league for 10 years. She enjoyed camping and her favorite place was Itasca State Park, north of Park Rapids, MN. She enjoyed the Braun family reunions and initiated the DuChene family reunions. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Rita was a lifetime member of the Assumption Catholic Church, Christian Mothers and St. Theresa's Circle in Callaway, MN. She served her parish well by teaching Religious Education, Sunday school and vacation bible school. She prepared the church bulletin for 7 years, sang in the choir and participated in the small group bible study programs. Her most memorable conversion experience was the Agassiz Valley (AV) TEC 68 in Crookston, MN where she renewed her commitment to Jesus Christ and was filled with the Holy Spirit. Oh what a difference! She was on the team for AV TEC 73.

Rita is survived by her husband Ken (of 62+ years) by one son Brent (Wendy) Pearson of rural Detroit Lakes, MN. Five grandchildren: Stephanie Nelson, Heather (Garret) Biebl, Isaiah (Elizabeth) Pearson, Nolan Pearson and Alexandra (Devon) Karau. Two step-grandchildren Keith Williams and Jack Pearson. Seven Great Grandchildren: Aubree Nelson, Brantley Nelson, Jameson Nelson, Onslo Biebl, Wilhelmina Biebl, Agnes Biebl and Love Karau. Brother in laws Paul (Janet) Pearson, Mark (Wanda) Pearson and sister in laws Carolyn (Pearson) Restad and Alice (Wilfred) DuChene. She is survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents John and Mary DuChene; two sons, Stephen and Brian: all of her siblings Leonard DuChene, John Herbert (Margie) DuChene, Alice (Flavian) Steffl, Wilfred DuChene, Dolores (Richard) Sampson and Donna (Lynn) Kennelly and in-laws Robert and Bertha Pearson.

Blessed be the memory of Rita Adeline Pearson.

Services for Rita will be held at Assumption Catholic Church in Callaway, MN, on Tuesday, Feb. 3rd. Services will begin at 11:00am

A visitation with prayer service will be held the evening prior, Feb. 2, at Assumption Catholic church beginning at 5pm.