Joan Pearson

Joan Ardis (Bottem) Pearson, 92, of Mountain Lake and formerly of Saint James, died December 15, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Society in Mountain Lake.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 am, Monday, December 22, 2025, at the Hosanna Free Lutheran Church in Saint James with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Albion Lutheran Cemetery in rural Saint James. Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James. Online Condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Joan was born to Oscar and Hazel (Blackstad) Bottem on December 26th, 1932. She was baptized and confirmed at Albion Lutheran Church. She grew up on a farm near Godahl, Minnesota and graduated from Saint James High School in 1950. Following high school, Joan attended business college in Mankato and then went to work as a cashier/bookkeeper at Savings and Loan in North Mankato for two years.

Joan married LaVern Pearson on March 7, 1953. After two years in the Army, living in a variety of places, they settled on a farm four miles west of Godahl. In 1963, they bought a farm in Riverdale Township, northeast of Saint James, where they lived until they went into assisted living. They were blessed with three sons and four grandchildren. Joan and LaVern were devoted to each other for 68 years of marriage. They were an amazing role model to their children and grandchildren of enduring love and steadfast faith in Jesus Christ their Lord.

Joan had the gift of hospitality and the heart of a humble servant. She was very involved in serving at her church. If there was a meal being served at church, Joan was there helping and cleaning up afterward. Joan loved caring for young children and she was often found helping in the church nursery or watching children while their moms met for Bible Study. Joan was actively involved in her circle at Albion and the Women's Mission Fellowship group at Hosanna Lutheran Church. She would help with sewing projects for missions or other local ministries.

Joan was an amazing cook and lovingly provided meals for anyone and everyone who was on the farm. She enjoyed baking and never had a shortage of goodies for whoever was there. She served selflessly - always concerned about the comfort of others and rarely sitting down until everyone had everything they needed. She enjoyed being a grandmother and loved spending time with her family.

Joan is survived by sons, Tom (Cathy), Jim (Wendy) and Mike (Gail); four grandchildren, five great grandchildren; and brother-in-law, Gerald Stevens.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, LaVern Pearson; her parents, Oscar and Hazel; and her sister, Betty Stevens.