Ralph L. Pierce

April 07, 2019

Service Details

Ralph Lee Pierce, age 83, passed away Sunday, April 7, 2019.

Ralph was born February 25, 1936 in Iowa City, Iowa to LaVerne and Rose (Warner) Pierce. He married JoAnn Kane on May 25, 1963 in West Des Moines, Iowa. Ralph worked as an auto body shop painter and as a custodian for the Des Moines Public Schools. He was a member of United Auto Workers Union for over 15 years.

Ralph enjoyed classic cars and restoring old Mustangs. He enjoyed going to the lake and doing yardwork. Ralph loved attending his grandchildren’s events. Every Sunday morning he would gather at the local drugstore or HyVee with friends and family for coffee. Ralph was light hearted and fun. He had a great work ethic and was a very caring person. He loved helping others and treasured time spent with family, especially his grandchildren.

Ralph is survived by his wife, JoAnn; children, Britt D. Pierce of Des Moines and Lanette (Matt) Henningsen of Polk City; former daughter-in-law, Cheryl Pierce of Des Moines; grandchildren, Kelsey Lang, Grant Lang, Jonathan Pierce, Katelyn Pierce, Kirsten Pierce, Kendra Henningsen; sister/cousin, Connie Cummings; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, LaVerne and Rose Pierce and seven brothers and sisters.

There will be a celebration of Ralph’s life on Thursday, April 11, 2019 at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 1701 W Jester Park Dr, Polk City, IA 50226. Family will be available at 1 p.m., with funeral service at 2 p.m. Private burial will follow at a later date.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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