Pearl Anita Reed, age 106, passed away on March 29, 2018. Pearl was born on January 19, 1912, the daughter of Ole and Inga (Boe) Oare. She was raised, one of 11 siblings, on a small family farm near Wilson, WI, where she became accustomed to the daily, labor-intensive work that was necessary around the homestead. On May 25, 1935, she was united in marriage to Harry Reed in Spring Valley, WI. Their union was blessed with one daughter, Carol. Pearl and Harry appreciated each moment and memory together until Harry’s death in 1989.

After Harry’s death, Pearl lived independently at her home in Colfax, WI, until 2006. Since then, she has lived with Carol and Joe in Hudson, WI. Through her long and well-lived life, Pearl was independent and an inspiration to all.

Pearl was committed to loving her family; she encouraged her daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to be selfless, respectful and strong-willed. She had an uncompromising measure of pride in her work and family, as she spent many years farming and as a homemaker on the farm. In her later years, Pearl sewed quilts for her great-grandchildren and crocheted afghans that she gifted to many. She kept many Norwegian food traditions alive and passed along her talents for making lefse, flat bread, rosettes and more to grandchildren.

Pearl remains in the hearts of her daughter, Carol Alms (Joe); grandchildren Dan Alms (Susan Stehling), Tony Alms (Ina Surerus), Jon Alms (Paula VanBeckum) and Bill Alms (Bonnie); great-grandchildren Addy, Annemarie, Nat and Everett; sister Gladys Halderson; sister-in-law Betty Oare; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended family and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry; siblings, Art Oare, Anna Koehler, Clifford Oare, Otto Oare, Ethel Zimmer, Margaret Hendrickson, Frances Gunderson, Carl Oare and Gordon Oare.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 10 to 11 AM on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at Bethel Lutheran Church – Downtown Hudson Campus, followed by a Funeral Service for Pearl at 11 AM. Lunch will be served following the service. Interment will take place at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, WI.