Pearl Preheim, daughter of Henry and Edna (Tieszen) Wentzel, was born on Jan. 17, 1948, in Marion, South Dakota. She departed this life on Jan. 30, 2026, at Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston, at the age of 78 years.
Pearl was united in marriage to Garris Preheim on Jan. 18, 1966. Together, they shared companionship, devotion and a love of family. To this union, two children were born: Robin Elliott Preheim and Rusten Royce Preheim.
Pearl grew up in Marion, South Dakota, where she attended school and graduated in 1966. As a young adult, she spent time living in Evanston, Illinois before returning to Marion in 1969, where she and Garris began their family. In 1982, they made their final move to Houston, Missouri.
Throughout her life, Pearl was known for her strong work ethic, gentle spirit and beautiful smile that warmly welcomed everyone she met. She worked in the photo lab at Evanston Hospital while living in Illinois, later at Wollman’s Pharmacy in South Dakota, and at Raymondville Café, Lazy L Café and the Package Store in Missouri. She eventually devoted herself to caring for others as a certified nursing assistant, providing compassionate and dignified care.
After moving to Missouri in the early 1980s, Pearl became an active member of the Houston and Cabool Methodist churches, generously giving her time through rummage sales, bake sales and other fundraising efforts to support women in need. Her servant’s heart and quiet dedication reflected her deep faith and love for others.
In her free time, Pearl enjoyed painting, drawing and bird watching. She especially cherished time spent with her sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Road trips with Garris and stops at flea markets were among her favorite pastimes.
Pearl was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Edna (Tieszen) Wentzel; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harry and Ada (Kaufman) Preheim; her brothers, Ronnie, Roy and Rocky Wentzel; son, Robin Preheim; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Arden and Lavonne (Tieszen) Preheim; along with several uncles, aunts, nephews and cousins.
Pearl is survived by her loving husband, Garris Preheim of Houston; Melissa (Motzkus) Preheim of Houston; grandson, Rodney Preheim and wife MaKenzie of Houston; granddaughter, Kaylea (Preheim) Duck and husband Dakota of Nixa; three great-granddaughters, Emery Preheim, Olivia Richards and Stella Preheim, all of Houston; son, Rusten Preheim and wife Wendy of Houston; granddaughter, Allie (Preheim) Goins and husband Dylan of Elk Creek; great-grandson, Reed Goins of Houston; great-granddaughter, Zoey Goins of Houston; and many other relatives and dear friends.
Pearl will be remembered for her steady presence, strong work ethic, unyielding faith and deep love for her family. She cherished time spent with those she loved and found joy in both the outdoors and the simple moments of everyday life. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, at the Cabool First Methodist Church with Pastor Rick Plumlee officiating. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 5, at the Cabool First Methodist Church. Interment will be in the Tyrone Cemetery. Donations in Pearl’s memory may be made to the American Junior Shorthorn Association or the Christos House. Services are under the care of Bradford Funeral Home and online condolences may be left at www.bradfordfuneralhome.net.