Roger Dwight Pearson

Roger Dwight Pearson, 91, formerly from Rockford, IL passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 30, 2024, in Cumming, GA.  Roger leaves behind a legacy of love and a life of faith.  Roger was born on November 1, 1932, in Rockford to Ivar and Mabel (Larson) Pearson.  A graduate of Rockford East High School class of 1950, he attended Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, IA and Beloit College.  He married his high school sweetheart, Donna Wright, in 1953.  He then pursued dentistry at Northwestern University Dental School and received his DDS in 1958.  Roger served as an officer in the Air Force 1958 to 1966 in Biloxi, MS, and in the Air Force Reserves, being discharged as a Captain.

Upon leaving the Air Force, he returned to Rockford and entered into private dental practice.  Practicing dentistry was his joy and he was passionate about continuing his education in dentistry.  In 1984, he was awarded the title of Master of The Academy of General Dentistry.  He was president of the Winnebago County Dental Society from 1985 – 1986. 

Roger loved his Lord, fishing, golfing, and helping others. While young, Roger accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and he sought to live out his faith day by day. He was a life-long member of First Free Church in Rockford where he served in many capacities in the church. He and Donna treasured family and friends and they were a priority to them. Retirement did not end his love of helping others through dentistry, as he continued to serve the homeless and underserved in clinics in Rockford and Naples, FL.  Roger and Donna loved their “paradise on earth” and eventually moved permanently to Marco Island, FL.  In time, health concerns moved them to Cumming, GA, to be closer to family.

Roger is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Donna; his 3 children:  Wayne (Mary) Pearson, Dena (John) Koehler, and Cindy (Mark) Bates; 13 grandchildren:  Klint (Vanessa) Pearson, Kyle (Emily) Pearson, Jonathan (Naomi) Koehler, Jeremy (Bridget) Koehler, Amy (Ian) Fiedler, Lindey (Nathaniel) Goodrich, Holly (Jacob) Bach, Jordan Koehler, Jaymie Koehler, Jason (Rachel) Koehler, Brittany (Blake) Jones, Lauren (Christopher) Palsgrove, Tonya (Joel) Findlay; and 26 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Ruth Walters.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 9, 2024, at First Free Church Rockford, IL.  Memorials may be made to Rockford Rescue Mission, 715 W. State Street, Rockford, IL  61102.