Marylou (Kadlec) Pearson

Marylou (Kadlec) Pearson

Cedar Rapids

Marylou (Kadlec) Pearson, 73, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, at Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, after lingering health problems.

Marylou was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Charles and Dorothy Kadlec on January 25, 1950. She grew up in Ely and graduated from Prairie High School, class of 1968. On May 1, 1970, she married Roger C. Pearson. She worked most of her adult life at the industrial laundry on J Street SW. It was under three different ownerships, the longest under Commercial Towel.

Marylou was a bonus mom, aunt, or granny to any person (or stray cat) who crossed her path. All were welcomed in her home with open arms. A rite of passage for her kids, nieces, nephews, and grandkids was to make a big bowl of popcorn and watch monster movies with her.

She loved to crochet blankets for any baby or child that she knew, and for a few she didn’t even know. She would get a gleam in her eye whenever she got to plan a party, wedding, or baby shower, planning months in advance.

Most of all, Marylou loved to cook for everyone. When you came over, she would greet you by listing off the food that was ready and/or the food she was going to make that night. She loved to feed anyone that she could.

Marylou is survived by her well-fed husband, Roger. Children Casey (Maria Clark) Pearson, Anna Pearson, and Amy Silver, of Cedar Rapids, and honorary son Ryan Irvin of Texas. Grandchildren Briana ”Wilow” Pearson, Crystal and Victoria Silver, Paul and Charles Pearson. Siblings Mike (Edna) Kadlec, Marcia (Gary) Britcher of Cedar Rapids, Mark Kadlec of Independence. In-laws Jerry and Bonnie Pearson, George and Rose Pearson, Phil Pearson, Phyllis (Gary) Husmann, Dennis Pearson, Burl and Ruth Cummins, and Harry Cummins.

Marylou had more nieces and nephews than she had fingers and toes to count.

Preceding her in death were her parents, in-laws Roy (Lois) Pearson, Wilda Cummins, and Priscilla Cummins.

The family would like to thank everyone who cared so well for Marylou, including Dr. Jason Cogdill and Five Seasons DaVita Dialysis for giving her more years with her family. A special thank you to Rio Tjaden, Kim Pinneke, and all her friends and staff members at Living Center West for making her last year plus more enjoyable. Thank you to Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice of Mercy for making her final days as comfortable as possible.

As per Marylou’s wishes, there will be no services. The best way to honor her memory would be to cook a big meal and enjoy it with your friends and family. She would have loved that. Remember, you can never trust a skinny cook, or have too many cats.

R.I.P. Mad Dog