Raymond W. Pierson

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RAYMOND WALTER PIERSON was born July 10, 1934, to Walter and Edith (Burritt) Pierson in Osceola, Nebraska. He was baptized at Calvary Lutheran Church in Swede Home, Nebraska, and confirmed at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lake Wilson, Minnesota. Ray’s family moved to a farm near Woodstock when he was in first grade. He attended country school through the 8th grade. Ray graduated from Pipestone High School in 1952. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1954 and was honorably discharged in April of 1956. Ray was united in marriage to Mavis Vos on July 9, 1954, at Christ Lutheran Church in Slayton, Minnesota. Together they made their home on the farm where Ray grew up. They were blessed with three children, Mark, Steve, and Tom. Ray spent his life doing what he was passionate about, farming with his father, and then with his son Steve.

Ray was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Pipestone where he served on the Church Council. He served on the boards of Lake Wilson Farmers Elevator, Pipestone County Fair, Pipestone County DHIA, Pipestone County Farm Bureau, Farmers Elevator Association of Minnesota and Burke Township Board of Supervisors. He was a member of American Legion Herbert Holtke Post 285, the Masonic Lodge #262 of Lake Wilson and El Riad Shrine. Ray passed away peacefully Thursday, March 18, 2021, at the Pipestone County Hospice House at the age of 86 years, eight months, and eight days.

Ray enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He will be remembered for his good sense of humor and always saying to anyone who left his home, “Drive Careful”. Ray enjoyed watching baseball, Cornhusker football and rodeo as well as the family baseball games in Woodstock that he encouraged. Ray will be deeply missed.

Ray is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mavis of Woodstock; children, Mark (Sheri) Pierson of Denver, Colorado, Steve (Lisa) Pierson of Woodstock, and Tom (Sherri) Pierson of Centerville, South Dakota; grandchildren, Laurel, Tyler, Travis, Zeb, Spencer, Nathan, and Cassie Pierson; great grandson, Hudson; brother John (Dianne) Pierson; and many other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents.