Dale Vernon Pierce

Dale Pierce, age 85, of Pelican Rapids, MN, died Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at Riverfront on Main, Pelican Rapids, MN. Dale Vernon was born March 2, 1935 on the family farm near Pelican Rapids, MN, to Wilbert and Birdie (Rice) Pierce. When Dale was one-year old his mother, Birdie, died and later Wilbert married Elsie Schmedeberg. He was baptized and confirmed in Lake Lida near Pelican Rapids. He attended country school then Pelican Rapids High School. Dale served in the U.S. Navy from 1952-1956 during the Korean War. On May 19, 1956, Dale married Janet Detrick in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Later in 1956, they moved to Pelican Rapids where he owned and operated a sawmill. During the years he moved to Hatton, ND, and Pagosa Springs, CO, where he cut timber. In 1971, they returned to Pelican Rapids where he owned and operated Pierce Lumber & Logging. In 1983, the business changed to Pierce Log Homes when his sons, Maynard and Tim joined the business. Dale continued to work until his retirement. Dale was a member of the Pelican Rapids V.F.W. Post #5252 and a lifetime member of NRA where he taught gun training. He enjoyed fishing, trapping and hunting, especially duck season. Dale is survived by his wife of 64 years Janet; children: Maynard (Kristi) Pierce, Vergas, MN, Timmothy (Becca) Pierce, Pelican Rapids, MN, Dawn (Bob) Westby, Erhard, MN, and Laura Hagen, Pelican Rapids, MN; son-in-law Troy Poach; nine grandchildren: Zach (Cassie) Pierce, Tia (Alex) Thysell, Houston (Sami) Pierce, Alecia (Chad) Ahl, Sam (Heather) Westby, Mitch Hagen, Tanner (Karrissa) Poach, Abbie (Derek) Savage and Taylor Poach; eleven great-grandchildren; siblings: Joyce Gensrich, YVonne Stone, Jerry Pierce, and Duella Foss;; and many niece and nephews. He is preceded in death by parents, daughter Julie Poach, granddaughter Paige Poach, and grandson Jake Pierce. Interment: Private Services will be held at a later date and time at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Dent, Minnesota Military Honors: Pelican Rapids V.F.W. Post #5252 and American Legion Post #17 Dale's Memorial Folder