Donald Pierce

Donald R. Pierce, 73, husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away on November 3, 2011 at Freeport Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on August 17, 1938 in Freeport, to Austin and Lucille (Ward) Pierce. He attended Freeport Shcools and graduated from Freeport High School in 1957. Donald served in the U.S. Army and Illinois National Guard from 1960 to 1985. He attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. On October 7, 1960 he was united in marriage to Beverly Reuber in Freeport. She was killed in an automobile accident on October 1, 1968. On February 8, 2003 he was united in marriage to Janis M. Peters at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, FL. Mr. Pierce worked at Patterson Lumber Company in Freeport. He belonged to several service organizations, including Lions Club, Rotary, Kiwanis, Fraternal order of Eagles, Elks Club and was a scout master for the Boy Scouts of America. He enjoyed fishing, golf, traveling, spending time with his grandchildren and riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. In his earlier years, he was an avid racketball player and marathon runner. Don and Jan were 'Snowbirds' spending winters in Gulf Shores, AL. Don is survived by his wife Jan, his son Kelly J. Pierce of Chicago and his special children, Jill A. Peters-Dagel, Jean M. Peters, her husband Don Ertmer of Lodi, WI. and John Peters and his wife Stacey of Portage, WI. He was grandpa Don to Nick Dagel, Kyle and Sarah Ertmer of Lodi, WI. and Harli Ann, James and Miranda Peters of Portage, WI. He is furthered survived by niece Jeri Broge and her husband Doug, Steve Mooney and his wife Adrienne of Freeport and William Mooney of Pekin, IL. Also sister-in-law Joyce Henning and her husband Roger and sister-in-law Marion Mooney of Freeport. In addition to his first wife Beverly, Mr Pierce was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Earl Meyers, brother William Mooney, nephew Mark Mooney and son-in-law Brad Dagel. Don'™s wishes were to be cremated with a celebration of his life to be held at the Eagles'™ Club in Freeport on November 6, 2011 from 1-3 p.m. with a flag presentation at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in his name. Don'™s family would like to thank the staff at Freeport Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, his doctors at the Monroe Clinic and the staff at St. Clare Hospital for their kind and compassionate care. Special thanks to his Palliative Care Team, Dr. Gaines Richardson and his nurse, Jodie. Visit the guest book at www.burketubbs.com