Phyllis D. Pierce, beloved mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully Oct. 25, 2024. She was 95 years old. Memorial services will be 3-6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids. A prayer service officiated by the Rev. Ron Weyrens will take place at 5 p.m. Phyllis will be interred alongside her devoted husband, Willard C. Pierce (Woody), at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Fairmont at a later date.
Phyllis was born Oct. 31, 1928, to Ladeslaus and Norma (Shutte) Maday in East Chain. She married the love of her life, Woody, Feb. 7, 1948. Together, they raised a large, loving family and shared many wonderful years filled with love and adventure. Phyllis dedicated her early years to raising her children and later had a career with the U.S. Postal Service. Phyllis found joy in baking, reading, gardening, fishing with Woody, golfing, and spending time with family and friends. She was known for her warmth and kindness, always ready to hold a baby or share a cup of coffee. Phyllis had a lifelong love for reading and was an avid bridge player.
Phyllis was a devoted Catholic who championed social justice, marriage equality, diversity and education. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion and strong connections with those who were fortunate to know her.
She is survived by her children: Lynn Pierce (Cici) of Sauk Rapids, Lee Pierce (Rita) of Aitkin, Steve Weidner (Julie) of Richfield, Rita Vanek (Dave) of Phoenix, David Pierce (Lisa) of Scarborough, Joy Minatelli (Mark) of Sauk Rapids, Mary Pierce-Slocum (Craig) of Clear Lake, Anne Rhodes (Tommy) of Sauk Rapids, son-in-law John Kline of Rice, and daughter-in-law Ruth Pierce of Roanoke. Phyllis will be deeply missed by her 16 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and her nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Woody, her son Jim Pierce, her daughter Amy Pierce-Kline, and her sister Janet Lee Olson (nee Maday).
Phyllis cherished her lifelong friendships in the Bird Island community, where Woody and she were members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the “Bridge Club”, and various community service organizations.
Phyllis received loving care from the staff at Ridgeview Place Assisted Living in Sauk Rapids, where she lived for the past five years. She loved all of you. Phyllis’s spirit of kindness will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
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