Pearl Hale, 88, of Medford, went home to her Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 1, 2026, after a life of ceaseless Christian devotion and unconditional love for her family. Her faith and family were with her to the very end, as she passed away peacefully while holding her Rosary and hearing prayers recited to the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. 

She was born on March 28, 1938, in Milwaukee to Bernard and Mabel (Wisnewski) Wayerski. Pearl attended St. Lawrence Grade School and St. Mary’s Academy, both in Milwaukee, and went on to earn her nursing degree from the School of Nursing at Marquette University. 

On November 27, 1965, she married Everett B. Hale at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milwaukee. They resided in Milwaukee, Manitowoc, Madison, Waukesha and Holmen before moving to Taylor County in 1982. 

Pearl was a devoted parishioner at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford, attending Mass every week and was so proud to fill out the pew with her daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and other family whenever they came to visit her in Medford.  She loved to sing from the hymnal and especially cherished having her loved ones there at Christmas and Easter.  

At home, she never stopped being a nurse, caring for her husband, Everett, and her daughter, Linda, as they endured serious illnesses. Many others benefited from her abiding care over the years, whether in a hospital or in her living room. 

Her house on South Second Street in Medford was a source of joy and a precious sanctuary – home to countless family gatherings and immaculate meals served with love and meticulous attention to detail. Her flower gardens were part of her life’s work, displaying a beautiful array of colors every spring and summer, and when they were covered by snow, the house was lit up with Christmas lights that shone throughout the neighborhood. 

Pearl will be dearly missed by her children, Ann (Brian) Bergmann of Lindstrom, MN; Barbara (Matthew) Hale-Richlen of Menomonee Falls; Jennifer (Adam Derr) Hale of Ogema; son-in-law, Kevin O’Brien of Colby; and grandchildren: Lauren (Joseph) Linders of Lindstrom, MN; Alexander Bergmann of Maple Grove, MN; and Pierce, Grant and Ava Richlen, all of Menomonee Falls. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Everett on August 24, 2015; her daughter, Linda O’Brien, on December 8, 2023; and eight siblings: Sister Ethel Grace Wayerski, Caroline Roell, Delores Potts, Roman Wayerski, Jerome Wayerski, Alice Dube, Theresa (Terry) Malek and Florence Rogala. 

Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 8, at Hemer Funeral Home, followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. with Fr. Patrick McConnell officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Rosary Cemetery. 

Memorials may go to Hope Hospice or to Holy Rosary Catholic Church, both of which Pearl held close to her heart.