Gale Llewellyn Pearce

Gale Llewellyn Pearce 86 of Arthur, IL joined his heavenly Father on March 10, 2022 surrounded by his family at Eberhart Village in Arthur.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M., Friday March 18 at the Arthur United Methodist Church, 128 E Illinois St., Arthur, IL. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at the United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Arthur Cemetery. Shrader Funeral Home, Arthur, is assisting the family with arrangements.

On September 25, 1935, Gale was born in Rockford, IL. as the only child of Howard Bennett and Pauline Eva (Frick) Pearce.  He married his wife of 60 years, Janice Joyce Holste on June 2, 1961.

Gale graduated Salutatorian from Princeton High School in 1954. He attended Iowa State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Animal Husbandry in 1960 and his Master’s of Science degree from Northern IL University in 1970.

Gale is survived by his wife, Janice Pearce of Arthur, and his five children, Timothy Pearce and his wife Deborah of St. Charles, IL, and their three children Amanda Pearce Mansfield, Gabrielle Pearce, and Christian Pearce; Matthew Pearce and his wife Kristie of Monticello, and their children Malea Warner, Gerad Pearce and Cole Hunt; Christiana Pearce of Champaign and her daughters Eva and Lila Pearce-Shields; Paul Pearce, and his wife Nicola of Nemo, SD, and their children Daniel and Nathan Pearce, Madison Wells and Desiree Diaz Virreal; Catherine Becker and her husband Scott of Mt. Zion and their children Ella and Alaina. He has five Great Grandchildren and held a special and valued relationship with his cousin Lee Frick and the extended Frick Family of Keithsburg, IL. Gale was preceded in death by his parents and his firstborn son David.

Gale served the community for 37 years as a Vice President and Farm Manager at the State Bank of Arthur where he retired in 2005. The relationships he formed with his customers was very important to him and his role at the bank allowed him to fulfill his purpose of serving others.

Gale was highly active in the community including serving as a 46-year Rotarian and 41 years as a board member, 13 years as president, of The Arthur Home and Eberhart Village.  Gale thoroughly enjoyed serving the community taking leadership roles in the Rotary-sponsored Arthur Freedom Celebration and helping establish Eberhart Village while serving as President of The Arthur Home Board.

Gale especially admired, respected, and cared for his friends of the Amish and Mennonite faiths.  He often spoke of his admiration for their overall values, work ethic, perseverance in dealing with hard times, and emphasis on family.  The many friendships he developed were highly valued and special to him.

Gale saw himself as a servant and servant leader, he put others before himself.  As a child of his heavenly Father, he took much joy in making a positive difference in the community and the lives of others.

Memorials may be made to the Arthur United Methodist Church; 128 E Illinois St. Arthur, IL 62911, the Vineyard Church; 1805 S. Hamilton St. Sullivan, IL 61951 or The Arthur Home and Eberhart Village; 423 Eberhardt Dr, Arthur, IL 61911.

Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.hilligossshraderfh.com.