Earl Pierce
Earl Stanley Pierce, 85, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. He was born Feb. 3, 1940, in Baudette, Minn., to Stanley and Nellie Pierce. When Earl was nine, the family moved to North Dakota, where he built a lifetime of friendships, memories, and adventures.
Earl attended Alexander Public School, where he met the love of his life, Marylyn Skedsvold. The two became inseparable sweethearts and later celebrated 62 wonderful years of marriage. During his school years, Earl was a talented athlete who excelled in sports. Known for his lighthearted humor, he recalled being asked to leave the choir due to a robe shortage, joking “You can’t be good at everything.”
Earl began his working life on the Nygaard and Slagle farms before proudly serving his country as a Military Policeman in the United States Army, stationed in Germany. Following his service, he worked in the oilfields of Montana and North Dakota, and pursued his lifelong dream of driving truck over the road with Black Hills Trucking, where he worked for nearly 40 years. Earl took great pride in his work and developed strong friendships across the miles he traveled.
Earl’s happiest times were those spent outdoors or with family. He loved fishing, hunting, golfing, cheering for the New York Yankees and attending every event he could for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In retirement, he and Marylyn enjoyed Arizona, soaking up sunshine on the deck together and sharing happy hours with treasured friends.
More than anything, Earl was proud of the family he and Marylyn built together.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Marylyn; his children, Mark, Dave (Kim), Stephanie (Rick), and Peggy (Kurt); grandchildren Dirk (Jessie), Ali (Alex), Drew (Wendy), Jaden, Wylie, Kyle, Cory (Jackie), Brittany (Jeremy), Nolan (Jana), Brea (Kass), and Cole (Linzee); and great-grandchildren Madison, McKenna, Kooper, Brock, Rayna, Zayne, Brody, Abby, Parker, Bridger, and Hazel.
He is also survived by his sister, Bonnie Stein; brother, Clarence and Marilyn Pierce; in-laws, Tom and Anita Decker, Dan and Joyce Skedsvold, Kevin and Marita Hauck, Judy Pierce, Craig Davis, and Sue Skedsvold.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Nellie; siblings, Evelyn, Luella, Kathy, Les, and Marian; his in-laws, Obert and Dolores, Steve, Melanie, Lee and Floyd; and his precious great-grandchild Eddie.
In true Earl fashion, he wouldn’t want anyone to mourn too long. Instead, he’d want you to spend time with your family - go fishing, playing a round of golf, a ballgame in the backyard and be sure to toast life’s simple blessings.
A celebration of Earl’s life will be held in Watford City, N.D., on June 6th.