Rita M. Pierce

Rita Marie Pierce, age 91, of De Pere, passed away peacefully at home with family at her side on January 7, 2024. The daughter of the late Ole and Loretta (Werlein) Larson was born October 9, 1932. After graduating from St. Patrick High School in Eau Claire, she began a life with Donald “Don” Pierce and built a beautiful family. The two married on June 21, 1952 in Eau Claire, and together they celebrated almost 68 years of marriage together before Don passed away in 2020. Rita was the constant support of Don in his many endeavors in the community and in her spare time, enjoyed gardening, playing cards, traveling and was an avid reader.

Rita is survived by her eight children: Donn (Mary) Pierce of De Pere, WI, Kim Pierce of De Pere, WI Kirk (Mary) Pierce of Bowling Green, KY, Julie (Mark) Denil of Greensboro, Gwen (Terry) Fritsch of Lakewood, WI, Todd (Patrice) Pierce of Rothschild, WI, Kelly (Susan) Pierce of Marathon, WI and Kent (Julianne) Pierce of Green Bay, WI; 18 grandchildren: Jon (Rhonda) Verdegan, Jacob (Katie) Verdegan, Mikole (Courtney) Pierce, Kyle (Katie) Pierce, Katie (Matt) Kasper, Josie (Nick) Rukamp, Jessica (Matt) Thomson, Sarah (Brandon) Rhods, Joshua (Crystal) Denil, Adam (Jenn) Fritsch, David Fritsch, Mitchell (Megan) Pierce, Shawn (Danielle) Pierce, Ashley (Michael) Lemanski, Paige, Sylvia, Kent II, and Victoria Pierce; as well as 24 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, an infant granddaughter, Nicole Denil; sister: Ramona “Aunt Mimi” Larson; brother-in-law: Roscoe (Wava) Pierce.

Family and friends may visit at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N Webster Ave, De Pere, on Thursday, January 11, from 4-7pm. Visitation will continue at St. Mary Catholic Church, 4805 Sportsman Drive, Ledgeview, on Friday, from 10-10:45am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am with Fr. Mike Ingold officiating.

A celebration of life service will be held in the spring in Mondovi, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion, Wisconsin.

Our family would like to thank the caregivers at Heartland Hospice and especially Kent Pierce Sr, and Lois Janda for taking such good care of mom.