Vandelin "Van" Elizabeth Pearson, was born October 9, 1917 on the family farm near Essex, Iowa. She was the last surviving sibling of six children born to Franz Elmer and Mabel (Skalberg) Almquist. She passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2015 at the Stanton Care Center, Stanton, Iowa at the age of 97 years. Vandelin was united in marriage to Harold T. Pearson on October 21, 1936. They were blessed with three children: Darrel, Shirley and Gerald "Jerry". Vandelin and Harold farmed in the Essex area until 1964, when they moved to a farm north of Stanton. In 1992, they made their home in Red Oak. Van retired from Union Carbide after 25 years, and then worked at the Stanton Care Center for three years as a CNA. She later volunteered at the Stanton Care Center and Christ Cupboard Food Bank in Red Oak. Van enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, cooking, entertaining, conversation, along with playing cards and board games. She attended the First Covenant Church in Red Oak. Vandelin has resided at the Stanton Care Center since 2010. Vandelin was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold on May 13, l996; son, Darrel; granddaughter, Lynn Lawson; one great-great-grandson; sisters: Myra Livingston, Leola Morhain Freeman and Phyllis Fienup; brothers: Merrill and Marvin; and daughter-in-law, Denise Pearson. Vandelin is survived by her children: Shirley Lawson and husband Charles of Dallas, TX; Gerald "Jerry" Pearson of Brandon, MS; and daughter-in-law, Delores Pearson, wife of Darrel of Denver, CO; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. May God bless her memory and give strength to those who mourn. Private Family Graveside Service will be held Monday, January 19, 2015 at the Essex Cemetery, Essex, Iowa at 2:00 PM Rev. Alan Dean, Officiating Open viewing will be held Sunday at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home. Family requests memorials in lieu of flowers to the First Covenant Church 207 E. Hammond St. Red Oak, Iowa 5l566. Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.