William "Bill" H. Pearson III died at home on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the age of 86. Bill was born in Chicago, IL, the youngest son of William Jr. and Helen (Lucke) Pearson. He received his BFA and MFA academic degrees in painting. His professional career involved teaching various courses in the Art Department at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire for more than thirty years, developing an emphasis on printmaking and lithography. He impacted countless students in their artistic and personal development and was an inspiring mentor and treasured friend to many. He served as the department's Gallery Director for several years, overseeing university shows and guest artists, including Roy Lichtenstein. A talented and prolific artist, Bill had his artwork accepted into national juried shows, where he received awards and honors. Many of his pieces and commissions can be found in public facilities and private residences. One of Bill's most gratifying passions was fishing, especially fly fishing. He delighted in the scenic natural beauty and the waters where fish were found. He was an eager traveling companion, especially for fishing trips to the western United States. He generously gave of his time, volunteering to teach rod-making classes for Trout Unlimited (TU), and instructing anyone interested in learning the art of fly fishing. He was a life-time member of TU and served on the local chapter's Board of Directors. A consummate craftsman, he meticulously built bamboo rods, graphite rods, and wooden-handled landing nets, as well as various woodworking creations he beautifully designed, constructed, and generously shared. He was an avid reader, favoring mysteries and historical biographies, an eclectic listener of music, ranging from The Modern Jazz Quartet to The Chieftains, and a lover of adopted shelter kittens who were attracted to his warm lap, gentle strokes, and nap time. Bill enjoyed being with people. He was a kind and thoughtful person and a loyal and trustworthy friend. He regularly attended his weekly beer group (where they could 'talk smart'), weekly neighborhood suppers (with desserts for his sweet tooth), family gatherings, lunches with friends, wine tasting club, and sponsored organizational events. Bill was a sensitive soul, grateful and humble, supportive and encouraging, a man of honesty, integrity, and genuine goodness. He had a witty sense of humor and the ability to laugh at himself. We shall miss him. Go in peace, William. William was a devoted and loving husband to his wife, Barbara, a caring father to his daughters, Tristan (David) Kinney and Jennifer (Jon) Yamashiro, grandfather to Athena Colonna, Dominic Colonna, Lydia (Quartus) Steika and Luke Yamashiro, brother-in-law to Norma Wimunc, Janina Wimunc, Elizabeth (Terry) Schares, Maria (Tim) Sweeney, Josephine Wimunc, and uncle to many nieces and nephews. Visitation will take place from 4:00-5:30 P.M. on Friday, January 2, 2026 with a memorial service at 5:30 P.M at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services, 814 1st Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54703. All are welcome to attend and celebrate William's life. Memorial gifts may be sent to the Eau Claire County Humane Association (www.eccha.org), L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library (www.ecpubliclibrary.info/give/), Wisconsin State Council of Trout Unlimited (wicouncil.tu.org). Online condolences may be expressed at www.lenmarkfh.com.