Harry Berty Pierson Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Harry "Slim" Bertil Persson was born to Alfred and Emma (Bengtsson) Persson on January 26, 1922 in a small southeastern village in Sweden called Lövestad. At the tender age of one and a half years old, Harry and his parents boarded a ship called the S. S. Scythia to follow his uncle's family to the United States of America. Together they made the transatlantic journey landing on the shores of Boston, Massachusetts. It is around this time that the spelling of their surname would change from Persson to Pierson. After arriving in the States, the family continued westward and would call Princeton, Illinois their home. Harry grew up all around the Princeton area. He became a member of First Lutheran Church upon moving to Princeton. A membership he held for almost 99 years. He spent most of his early years helping his father on the farm. Their farming skills and self-sufficiency, he claimed, helped his family get through the Great Depression. In 1942, Harry joined the United States Army. He served for three years in the India Burma Campaign during World War II. His occupation in the Army was as a Heavy Truck Driver. He reminisced once that he had helped deliver supplies all the way from Italy to Allies in the Soviet Union. Sometime in his young adult years, he would earn the nickname "Slim". This became very popular among family and friends. So much so that many had no idea of his actual given name. He accepted the nickname as easy as he accepted anything that came along in his life. After the war ended, Harry began to spread his wings and explore this beautiful country. He'd pack up his bags, hop on his Harley Davidson and hit the road. He traveled all over the United States, from Seattle to Florida to New York. Postcards regularly arrived back home always saying he was "having a good time", "exploring the city", and "would be home soon". He spent a large amount of his exploration time in Florida, working there during the winter months. Daytona Beach became one of his favorite spots. It was where he attended many car and motorcycle races at the Daytona Beach-Road Course. He would become a life-long Nascar fan and attend numerous races at the Daytona International Speedway. By the mid-1960s, Harry was ready to settle down. He married Margo Fifield on April 25, 1964 in Kewanee, Illinois. They made their home in Princeton, Illinois where they would raise two children. Harry would continue the occupation of a truck driver until a workplace accident forced him to retire in 1974. Life gave him several setbacks like that but he never let that stop him. He and Margo continued to travel, spend time with friends, and live life to its fullest. Some of his favorite things were: going out to eat with those he loved, eating a delicious steak (make it rare, please), purchasing lottery tickets (he just knew he'd win one day), cheering on Dale Earnhardt during a Sunday race, taking the bus to the riverboat casino, and watching the Chicago Cubs while enjoying an ice cold beer. Harry passed away peacefully at Carle BroMenn Hospital in Normal, Illinois on June 11, 2022. Living 100 years was his most amazing feat of all. He was the last of the original Swedes in his family who came here to live in America. The last connection to their homeland has now been broken but will carry on in the hearts of those who survive him. He truly was "En Underbar Svensk" ("One Wonderful Swede"). He is survived by his children, Drew Pierson and Dianne Scott (Daniel); one grandson, Ian Scott, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Emma; his wife, Margo; one brother, Clarence "Shorty" Pierson; and two sisters, Gladys Parker and Ruth Dean. A private graveside service will be held at a later date and time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be left wat www.norbergfh.com Arrangements by Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments.

Harry Berty Pierson

January 26, 1922 - June 11, 2022