Louis A Pearse

LOUIS PEARSE

KANE - Louise A. “Louie” Pearse, Jr., 69, passed away at 1:36 a.m., Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at his home, surrounded by his family after a long and courageous battle with Renal Cell Carcinoma. 

Born on June 7, 1956 in East St. Louis, Illinois, Louie was one of six children born to the late Louis A. “Louie” and Dorothy (Hoffman) Pearse. He spent his early childhood in East St. Louis, where he made many cherished memories before his family relocated to Kane. 

In 1984, Louie met Kathy Clark and they have spent the past 41 years together creating lasting memories along the way. In 1985, Louie and Kathy blended their families and made Kane their home. 

Louie had a full life doing many different careers along the way. He worked as an auto body technician and auto body paint technician for many years for South Side Auto. He also worked for Excel Pork. His true passion and craftsmanship came in his art of Taxidermy. In 1986, he embarked on a journey and opened Pearse’s Taxidermy. He honed the craft, receiving many awards over the years. His talent and eye for detail were what gained him notoriety in the field. In 2002, Louie embarked on another adventure and opened Solo Deer Processing with Kathy and his brother. Louie was a true visionary and was no stranger to finding new opportunities to enhance his business and the lives of his family. 

Surviving are his companion, Kathy Clark of Kane; his children, Mark Clark of Kane, Todd Pearse of St. Charles, Missouri, Mike (Jaime) Clark of Festus, Missouri, Melanie Gray and her companion, Mike Turner, of Bethalto and Mary (Bruce) Taylor of Greenfield; his grandchildren, Sebastian Pearse, Dustin Clark, Kayla Kadell, Donovan Pearse, Tyler Clark, Jason Kadell, Nolan Pearse, Wyatt Clark, Mason Clark, Elizabeth Gibbs and Richard Gibbs III; his siblings, Cathy (Wilson) Helfer of Jerseyville, Mike (Sherrie) Pearse of Jerseyville and Kim Frank of Jerseyville; many nieces and nephews; as well as his buddy, Dave Young. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Louis R. Pearse; a brother, Bernie Pearse; a sister, Frances “Franny” Thompson; and a grandson, Bryan Rutherford. 

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Monday, December 22, 2025 from 4-7 p.m. at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m., Tuesday. 

Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to OSF Hospice or to the Kane Fire Department.

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