Tribute: William R. Pearce '52, Accomplished Alumnus and Generous Donor
University of Minnesota Law School alumni William Rinehart Pearce '52 passed away on July 19, 2023, at the age of 95. Bill and his wife Barbara Pearce supported the Mondale Hall building campaign and also have a named scholarship at the Law School, the William R. & Barbara A. Pearce Family Scholarship.
Pearce worked for the Cargill company's legal department, until he left to become Deputy Special Trade Representative for trade negotiations for the Nixon administration in 1971. He was instrumental in shaping the Trade Reform Act of 1974. He then returned to Cargill, and served on the board, becoming vice chair in 1991, and president of the Cargill Foundation in 1993. He also served as president of the IDS Mutual Funds Group until his retirement in 1999.
In 2005, he received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the University for his work in international trade, public policy, and corporate leadership. He and Barbara enjoyed winters in Naples Florida and summers with children and grandchildren at their cabin in northern Wisconsin. He was a voracious reader, an avid golfer, and a determined skier. He relished his annual fishing trip to Alaska with his son Bill, his grandsons, and dear friends.
Pearce was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, granddaughter Grace Reyelts and most of his peers. He is survived by his children: Mary Reyelts, husband Paul; Laurie Pearce; William Owen Pearce, wife Peg; Betsy Pearce, husband Michael; grandchildren: Jennifer Fiore, William E Pearce, James Pearce and William Reyelts and a host of great grandchildren; and his dear friends in the Scotch Club. Mass of Christian Burial at the Church of St. Bartholomew, 630 East Wayzata Boulevard, Wayzata on Friday August 4, 2023 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers donations could be made to the University of Minnesota Law School Scholarship Fund through the University of Minnesota Foundation.
Memorials are preferred to the Law School Scholarship Fund.
William Rinehart Pearce '52