John Martin Pierson
October 04, 2017
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Service Details
John Martin Pierson, 68, passed away October 4, 2017. A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines, IA with visitation one hour prior. Private entombment will be at The Boaz at the Masonic Cemetery in Des Moines.
John was born November 26, 1948 to Doris (DeWall) and Elroy Pierson in St. Paul, MN. He graduated from Johnson High School and then from St. Olaf in North Field, MN. John worked as a Leasing Manager for NCMIC Group, Inc. and also enjoyed a creative side career. He was an actor in two movies that were filmed in Des Moines, he did radio voice-overs, and was master of ceremonies for the church building fund. John was also a talented musician, playing the piano by ear, taking guitar lessons, and was a member of Higher Ground singing group at Lutheran Church of Hope. John was also a proud member of the Mason’s Waveland Park Lodge #654.
During his life, John enjoyed hockey and handball and was a member of the Des Moines YMCA Hinder Club. He was also an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching the Twins and the Minnesota Vikings.
John is survived by his wife, Sue; children, Amber (Kris) Goeden and Justin Pierson; grandson, Krew Goeden; and his brother, Gordon (Jan) Pierson.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Ed Jasinski
11/13/2017
For John,
To the end you remained the same jovial, bright and friendly guy we always knew. Through the closing of the curtain and the dimming of the lights. True.
I cannot ever remember you not smiling. Our class reunion was full-up by your visit. Thanks so much John. You will be missed by so many.
Friend,
Ed
Orley Brown
10/11/2017
Meeting Amber for the first time reminded me once again what a special person John was!
I hope you took your Handball
Gloves with you buddy!
Laura Digman
10/10/2017
I have wonderful memories of singing in a quartet with John at church. John was such a talented, kind, fun-loving man. He really did light up a room!
My thoughts and prayers are with Sue and the family.
John will be missed by many.
Beth Flug
10/10/2017
I worked with John many years ago and would be so happy to run into him once in a while in the time since. He was a really cool guy who made you feel like you were important. That's a unique quality that many humans don't have. He will be missed by many.
Susan Allender
10/10/2017
I knew John through my dad, Harry. The two of them were good friends over the last year and my dad admired John's wit and sense of humor. John asked my dad to "teach" him how to smoke a cigar . . . my dad shared that story with me again yesterday when he told me this sad news. I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad I got to know John; he was a good friend to my dad--and my dad admired him.
Steve Desens
10/09/2017
John was an extremely talented, athletic, mischievous, and fun friend anyone would love to hang around with. In high school, Dennis Rogers, Doug Nielsen, John and I probably fell into and represented what is known in the law as an "unlawful assembly." What fun we had at Doug's cabin water skiing, attending Johnson High Scool hockey games, and going on other famous or infamous road trips. John still is the only guy I know who had 3 minor accidents with his Dad's new car on one snowy evening in February and when Elroy noticed the dent in the door, like in May, John convinced him it was from a fouled off softball.I will truly miss him but every memory I have brings me a warm smile. He loved his family and I hope Sue, Amber, and Justin will find peace and grace from the good Lord after his long long struggles with that terrible debilitating disease of Parkinson's. Our high school class of 1966 will never forget his masterful and powerful performance as Henry Higgins in "My Fair Lady". John, you were the best. I will miss you my good buddy.
Mary Ellen O'Connor (DeVahl)
10/09/2017
You were one of a kind. Remember you visiting me at work. One time you sat right down on the floor because the Doobie's "Listen to the Music" came on the radio and you wanted to hear it. So sorry your last few years were so awful. Peace and comfort to Gordy, Jan, Sue, Amber and Justin.
Carla Pitts Castle
10/09/2017
I worked with John several years ago. He was such a nice gentleman who will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Dale Denault
10/08/2017
I'm glad Billy, Karl and I got to see you this summer. It was like a little over a third of the old softball team getting together. Pitcher, catcher, 2nd base and center field. Those were the days my friend.
You will be missed. You got me going on writing nonsense with your "Keep on Truckin" softball newsletters. I'm grateful for all your inspiration.
John was a quick wit. I remember once walking with him from the parking lot unto the field in West St Paul. He looked at my outfit and said, "you look like a bunch of circus clowns got together to dress you today." Funny guy.
By the way John, I still have that book I borrowed from you in 1969. Stumbled upon it when I was downsizing. Oops!
Dennis Rogers
10/07/2017
John and I, along with Steve Desens and Doug Nielsen got in plenty of mischief in high school and college, and we will miss him. Maybe we can tear up lawns in the next life too.
Talented, funny, athletic...John was a good guy and a great friend.
May Sue and the family find peace in John's passing.
Jackie Konchal
10/06/2017
As a fellow 1966 graduate at JHS, I spent a few special moments talking with John at our 50th reunion and at the golf gathering. What a blessing and inspiration to see him again after all those years. Always a gentle soul. RIP John
Karl Johnson
10/06/2017
John you will be missed but I have a lot of great memories. May you rest in peace and Keep On Truckin' !