Obituary: Brian Pearson

Funeral Services

Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM (Mountain).

American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota

Visitation

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Monday, April 6, at the American Legion Hall in Philip.

Print Obituary

In memory of

Brian Pearson

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls at the age of 52

Brian Scott Pearson was born on August 16th, 1973, to the marriage of Alvin Pearson and Ruby Pearson (Hovland) in Philip, SD. Brian was the youngest of 4 children and was adored and tortured by his 3 older sisters. Brian had meningitis when he was a baby, and with the love of his parents, overcame and went on to live a normal life. He was a fighter and did not give up easily.

Brian got his early education at Philip high school and graduated in 1992. He played football and was on the wrestling team where he met some of his good friends. After graduation, Brian attended the University of South Dakota and graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 1997.

After college, Brian returned to Philip and worked for the city in the water department. Brian was an EMT and joined the volunteer fire department’ where he served his community for 22 years. In his spare time, Brian loved to jitterbug and cuddle the babies in the family. We referred to him as the baby whisperer since he had a calming presence that always had the little ones sleeping in his strong arms. Brian enjoyed his morning coffee group at the Corner Pantry and enjoyed catching up with the local news. Brian attended the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally for 16 years in a row, with his Dad and Mom joining him the last weekend. Brian was organized, protective of his family, a jokester with his friends, and always kept in touch with everyone.

In 2023, Brian moved to Sioux Falls, SD where he got a job with the City of Sioux Falls in the water department. He soon found a coffee group in Sioux Falls and made friends with them and his fellow coworkers who valued his talents and hard work. Brian’s loves included the Dallas Cowboys, Dale Earnhardt, his family and the girl he loved for 30 years, Kathy Stark. He had moved to Sioux Falls to give this relationship a chance and quickly won her over. Everyone could see that he was happier than he had ever been.

Brian passed away on March 31, 2026 surrounded by his family including his special friend, Kathy Stark.

Grateful for having shared his life are his parents, Alvin Pearson and Ruby Pearson (Hovland) of Philip, sisters Lisa Schofield (Jason) of Philip, Cristi Ferguson (Greg) of Philip, and Balinda Zwak (Dave Kuyper) of Sioux Falls, very special friend, Kathy Stark of Sioux Falls, and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Martha and Pere Pearson of Philip, and Rueben and RueAdene Hovland of Custer, uncle Glen Hovland of Milesville, and cousin Miles Hovland of Milesville.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Monday, April 6, 2026 at the American Legion Hall in Philip.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 7, at the American Legion Hall in Philip with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Interment will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 175 Philip, SD 57567.

VISITATION
Monday, April 6, 2026 - 5-7 p.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICE
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 - 11:00 a.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney

INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Sign the guestbook

Sympathy and prayers to Brian's family and friends ~ Donna Bodkin Craven Rapid City (4/7/2026)
We will miss you. ~ Jeremiah Pearson & Family Marikina City, Philippines (4/7/2026)
We are saddened to hear that you lost Brian. No words can heal the hole in your heart right now. Our prayers are for comfort and peace during this time. ~ Rich & Donna Perez Rapid City, SD (4/4/2026)
Sending you all lots of love at this time. ~ Chip and Jonna King Philip, SD (4/4/2026)
Ruby, Alvin, Lisa, Balinda, Cristi and entire family, sending you loving thoughts and prayers that as you say goodbye to Brian you know you and he are loved. May the support of family and friends help you during this difficult time. May time bring more joy as you remember the good times and how Brian rough you all joy! ~ Karen Pearson Rapid City SD (4/4/2026)
My condolences, Brian had such a gentle soul and such a big heart. My heart breaks for Brian's family and friends. May the memories help you through this difficult loss. Love and prayers! ~ Shanna Neiderworder-Baker Sioux Falls, SD (4/3/2026)
Sending condolences to the Family. So sorry for your loss. ~ Julie Brown Fairmont Nebraska (4/3/2026)
Brian was such a kind sole always had time to tell you hello! Not a mean bone in his body. So sorry for your loss he was truly one of a kind! He will be missed my many! ~ Susan & Jack Philip (4/3/2026)
There are no words that can salve the pain of losing a loved one, that can fill the hole their light leaves behind. But revel in the memories, recall all of the many days we had with him. So sorry for your loss. ~ Heath Oldenberg Philip (4/3/2026)
Sioux Falls SD 57105 ~ Greg Schuler 1812 south lyndale ave (4/3/2026)
Our hearts are heavy, no words can tell how we feel. We have known our nephew Brian since he was born. He always had a smile on his face, ready to help anyone he could. It is so hard to lose him at this young age, but we know that he is in a better place. We will hold on to all our memories, as we hope all you can do. Love and prayers. ~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (4/3/2026)
We are so very sorry for your loss. Although he is at peace and whole again, it doesn't change the fact that he is gone from this earth. Brian was the nicest young man a person could ever meet. His smile was real. When he worked for the city, he was so good about calling when he saw usage was up. Your loss of Brian will definitely be felt by anybody who had the pleasure to know him. I pray you find comfort in knowing that Brian left an imprint, not only in Philip, but I am sure everywhere he went. Prayers for your family will continue. ~ Ray and Roxy Formanek PHILIP (4/3/2026)