Edward J. Pearce

Edward J. Pearce, age 83, passed away on June 27, 2026. He was born on November 30, 1942 to Lieutenant Edward and Marian Pearce in Flint, Michigan.

A year after his birth, Ed's father, a military pilot, was killed while serving in active duty during World War II. Ed was raised in Flint, Michigan, where he and his mother lived with his maternal grandparents until he reached junior high school. Surrounded by the love and support of his family, he was active in their church and enjoyed playing sports with the neighborhood children.

He graduated from Flint Southwestern High School as valedictorian in 1960, Wheaton College in 1964 with honors, and Baylor University College of Medicine in 1968 with honors. His internship and residency in Internal Medicine were completed at Wayne County General Hospital in Michigan followed by a fellowship in nephrology. In 1973, he began his medical practice at Freedom Medical Clinic and joined the medical staff of Saint Mary Hospital, both in Livonia, Michigan. He started and directed the Hemodialysis Unit at the hospital and, over the years, served as Director of the Hemodialysis Unit, Medical Chief of Staff, Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine and as a member of the Board of Trustees.

Ed and his wife, Betsy, were college sweethearts who married in 1965. Together they reared their three children in Northville, Michigan, where Ed found great joy in coaching their basketball, baseball, and softball teams. He rarely missed a game, performance, or activity, always making time to support and encourage his children.

Family was a cherished part of Ed's life. To bring everyone together, he began an annual Fourth of July family vacation, gathering his children and grandchildren each summer in Harbor Springs, Michigan. There, lasting memories were made through fishing, golfing, watching the parade, playing pickleball, and enjoying fireworks together. Although the destination has changed over the years, the tradition of spending the holiday together continues—a lasting testament to Ed's love for family.

Ed’s faith in Jesus Christ was the most important part of his life. He was a member of Dunning Park Bible Chapel in Michigan for 38 years where he taught, mentored, and served in the church as an elder. He also was on the Board of Trustees of Bair Lake Bible Camp in Jones, Michigan. He had a remarkable ability to see the potential in others and encourage them to use their God-given gifts. When Ed and Betsy returned to the Wheaton area to be close to family, they joined Wheaton Bible Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Betsy; his children, Kristie (Mark) Nelson, Steve (Jill) Pearce, and Kathy (Skip) Brown; his grandchildren, Ross (Kaitlyn) Nelson, Abbie (Rodrigo) Llanes, Drew Pearce, Nate Pearce, Kirby Pearce, Josy Pearce, Holly (Avery) Lawlor, Ally Brown, Spencer Brown, and Avery Brown; and his great-grandchildren, Rhett Nelson and Benny Llanes.

We will be celebrating Ed’s life on Saturday, July 25 at Wheaton Bible Church, 27W500 North Ave, West Chicago, IL 60185. Visitation will be held at 10 am until the time of the memorial service at 11am. There will be a light reception following the service.

Memorial gifts may be directed to:

Bair Lake Bible Camp
12500 Prang Street
Jones, MI 49061