Robert & Teri Pearce

ROBERT “Bob” EDWARD PEARCE died on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at his home in Waseca, surrounded by his family. TERI JEAN PEARCE died on November 9, 2023 at St. Mary’s Campus of Mayo Clinic in Rochester surrounded by her family.

Bob was born in Santa Monica, California on May 12, 1944, to Gene Edward and Jeanne Ellen (Halsey) Pearce. Teri was born in Owatonna, Minnesota on September 3, 1944, to Toivo Emil and Martha Eileen (Lageson) Harinen.

Bob and Teri graduated from John H. Frances Polytechnic High School in Sun Valley, California, where they were high school sweethearts. Following high school, Bob attended Stanford University. He left Stanford early to enlist in the Coast Guard and later finished undergraduate and graduate studies. Teri graduated from California Lutheran College.

On March 9, 1967, Bob and Teri were united in marriage in San Francisco, California. They began their married life together in Hawaii where Bob was first stationed. They moved to different locations around the country as part of his Coast Guard service before making Minnesota their home in 1996.

On May 23, 1966, Bob enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and was quickly promoted to rank of Chief Electronics Technician. During his twenty-one years of military service, he was awarded the Coast Guard Medal for Heroism before being honorably discharged as a Commander in 1987.

In Bob’s civilian life he taught seventh grade math at Parks Junior High, taught engineering at California State Polytechnic University Pomona, and worked as a Technician at Onan and a Test Engineer for Itron. After retiring Bob enjoyed volunteering for Waseca Public Schools, was a talented Skywarn storm spotter for over fifteen years, and also volunteered for the Red Cross travelling around the world to help provide relief.

Teri was an elementary school teacher in various schools around the country. She was Teacher of the Year in 1995 at Laguna Road School in Fullerton, California. Her last teaching position was at North Intermediate School in St. Peter, Minnesota. Teri enjoyed sewing and reading. She also directed the Bell Choir at Christ Community Church.

Bob and Teri were both devoted followers of Jesus Christ. They were long-time active members of Christ Community Church in Waseca where they enjoyed involvement with Bible study and volunteering in the sound booth.

Bob and Teri are survived by their three sons: Gregory (Smruti) Pearce of Los Angeles, CA, Jonathan (Jodi) Pearce of Waseca, and Mark (Jennifer) Pearce of Waseca; four granddaughters, Mikayla (Casey) Cayer, Eleanor Pearce, Esme Pearce, and Cordelia Pearce; two grandsons: Raahi Pearce and August Pearce; Teri’s two siblings: Andrea Juhl of Pittsburgh, PA, and Mark (Judy) Harinen of Waseca; and seven nephews.

They are preceded in death by both of their parents and Bob’s younger brother, James Pearce.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, November 17, 2023, at the Third Street Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca and will continue for one hour before the service at the church on Saturday.

Funeral Services for Bob and Teri will be 10:30 AM on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Christ Community Church in Waseca with Pastor Rick Wulf officiating. Luncheon to follow service. A private family graveside service will take place at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bob and Teri’s memory may be directed to the Red Cross, US Coast Guard Foundation, and American Cancer Society.