David W. Pierce

David Winfield Pierce, 85, of Litchfield, passed away on July 21st, at Meeker Memorial Hospital. A memorial will be held at Johnson-Hagglund funeral home in Litchfield on Monday, July 28th, from 5:00-7:00pm. The funeral will be held on Tuesday the 29th, at First Lutheran Church in Litchfield, at 11:00am, with visitation beginning one hour prior.

David was born in Willmar, MN, to Woodrow and Farolyn (Akerson) Pierce on September 6th, 1939. He spent all of his school years in Willmar, except for his senior year and graduation, which were at Maplewood Academy in Hutchinson, Minnesota. He served in the U.S. Air Force in Saudi Arabia, as well as in Omaha, Nebraska, where he met and married Jean M. Hemmingson on July 15th, 1961. David founded Pierce Insurance Agency in Litchfield in 1974 and operated the agency until his retirement in 2003. His beloved wife Jean passed away on November 17th, 2007. He was a charter member of the Litchfield Jaycees and the Litchfield Eagles Club; a past master of the Litchfield Masonic Lodge, and a member of Zuhrah Shrine Temple in Minneapolis; he was also a member and past council member of First Lutheran Church, as well as a past member of Toastmasters, The Litchfield Lions Club, and the Golf Club. He loved the outdoors, where he enjoyed biking, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, hunting, fishing, golf, snow and water skiing, and ice skating. He relished spending time at his lake homes in Spicer and Nevis with his family and friends. David spent his final years uplifting those around him with his infectious laughter, his joyous singing voice, and his often comical storytelling.

He is survived by his children; Gary (Laurie) Pierce, Kathy (Dan) Lotzer, and Michael Pierce, grandchildren; Timothy, Michael, Megan, and Amy, and 3 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers; Harvey (Delores), Michael (Alice), and Timothy (Trisha). He was preceded in death by his wife Jean; long time special friend Barb Swenson; parents Woodrow and Farolyn; brother Marlowe; sister Beverly and brother-in-law Bill Lease.

Following Tuesday’s funeral service, Dave’s family and friends are invited to Chilstrom Hall at First Lutheran Church for a time of fellowship and lunch. Interment will be held afterward at the Eagle Lake Lutheran Church Cemetery in Willmar.