Larry Pearson, age 72, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 6, 2026 at St. Mary’s in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

He was born on August 28, 1953, in New York, New York to the late Lucille Pearson and Pleas Tusant Pearson.

Larry grew up in Harlem, New York where he gained an education in various trades. Later in his life he made notable moves to New Orleans, then to Alexandria, VA, and eventually to Mishicot, Wisconsin with his growing family. He married the former Cheryl Benthien on February 23, 1992 in Alexandria, VA. The couple was blessed with 34 years of marriage.

Larry was most recently employed at Angelus Senior Living and held various chef positions throughout the years, and he built Copelands in New Orleans from the ground up. Larry was also a certified baker in addition to being an excellent chef.

Larry was a devoted husband and father who lived life to the fullest and enjoyed every moment. He was eccentric, quirky, intelligent and just overall so much fun to be around. He enjoyed baking, reading, learning new things, helping people with their life struggles and found fulfillment in helping the elderly. Larry was deeply loved by his co-workers and patients he worked with throughout the years. He also loved watching Sci-fi, photography, taking pictures and had a deep appreciation for well taken photos.

He is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl; his children, Monica (Abdul), Ty, Mary Frances; Grandchildren, Tyeonna, Gabriella; his siblings, Pleas T. Pearson Jr., Janell Pearson Zapata (Thomas); and niece Sherrell “Nikki” Obaji; his mother-in-law, Dolores Benthien; brother-in-law, Bruce (Karen) Benthien; sisters-in-laws, Debra (Richard) Hughes, Jeanne Benthien and Cheryl Benthien. His cousins, Gail (Curtis) Stone, and their son Curtis Stone Jr, and Larry’s life long friend Louise Boyle. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many special friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Tyrone Smitherman, Ronnie Smitherman, his Uncle Carter, Grandmother Frances Coats, Grandmother Mary Stone Daniels; father-in-law, Franklin Benthien, brothers-in-laws, Brian Benthien, Dean Benthien, Bogart Parra and other cherished family and special friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for a Life Celebration Social at Branch Station, 8112 Village Drive, Whitelaw on Sunday, March 29, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Burial of his cremated remains will take place in New Jersey at a later date.

Larry’s family wishes to express a special thank you to all that took care of Larry. All the nurses and doctors from the cancer center in Milwaukee, the staff at Froedtert Hospital in Manitowoc and Milwaukee, the staff at St. Mary’s nursing home and the Sharon S. Richardson hospice staff who were extremely helpful throughout this difficult time. All of you did an exceptional job of giving Larry the loving care that he deserved.

The Lambert-Eckert Funeral Home of Mishicot is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting lamberteckert.com