Pearl Louise Tucker

Born June 11, 1914 in Lansing, one of six children born to the late Chris and Louise (Schiably) Kussmaul, passed away July 14, 2013 at the age of 99. Pearl attended the Gunnisonville one-room school for eight years, graduated from Lansing Eastern High School and Acme Business College. She was employed in the Lansing area as a secretary and bookkeeper for many years. In 1937 she married Arnold Tucker. When he entered the service during WWII she worked as a secretary in the Red Cross Field Office at Camp Hood, TX. From there to Camp Lee, VA where she worked in the Post Engineer’s office until her husband went overseas. She returned to Lansing, lived with her folks and worked at Oldsmobile. When her husband returned from military service he met his 10-week old son. They added two daughters to their family and she was a stay-at-home-mom. Upon her husband’s retirement form GM in 1974, they moved to Lake Margrethe near Grayling. They enjoyed 6½ years of retirement before he passed way, instantly, in 1980. They had traveled to the Holy Land, Greece, toured the United States and four of the Hawaiian Islands. Playing golf at Pebble Beach was a highlight of one trip. She continued to travel after her husband’s death. A tour to Alaska went above the Arctic Circle. There was also a trip to Germany. She remained in the Grayling area until September 2002 when health problems prompted a move back to Lansing to be near her family. Born and raised a Methodist she was always active in her church. Served as secretary and president of the United Methodist Women, was a delegate to Annual Conference several times and sang in choirs for many years. Other activities enjoyed by Pearl were bridge, golf and bowling. Her only claim to fame was bowling three all spare games. She was preceded in death by her parents; five siblings, Gertrude, Arthur, Agnes, Howard, Ruth and their spouses; an infant granddaughter, Kelly Jo Bierkamp; and two nephews. Surviving to cherish her memory are her children, Lee (Beth) Tucker of Lansing, Janet (Bruce) Bierkamp of Grand Ledge and Carolyn (Bill) Brown of Arizona; five grandchildren and their spouses; seven great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service is to be held at Grace United Methodist Church on Wednesday, August 14 at 11:30AM. The family will receive friends from 10:00~11:30AM at the church. Her cremains will be interred beside her husband with a graveside service for family and friends at 1:00 PM on Thursday, August 15 in Elmwood Cemetery in Grayling, MI. For those desiring, contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 1900 Boston Blvd., Lansing, MI 48910 or to Hospice of Lansing, Stoneleigh Residence, 3411 Stoneleigh Dr., Lansing, MI 48910 in memory of Pearl. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com