Myrna Piersel

Myrna Piersel passed away March 26, 2021 at MercyOne hospital in Des Moines from injuries from a fall at her home in Windsor Heights. No services are planned at this time.

Myrna Belle Storm was born September 22, 1936 in Stockport, Iowa to Merle and Alice (Westercamp) Storm. She grew up in the rural Thornburg, Iowa area and completed her elementary and secondary education in Thornburg. She attended Central College in Pella for two years and then completed a Bachelor of Music degree in education at the University of Iowa.

On May 31, 1959 she married David Thomas Piersel in What Cheer, Iowa. They became the parents of three children: Jacqueline (Tom) Tierney of Humboldt, Iowa; Scott Piersel (Kimberly) of Hastings, Minnesota; and Brian Piersel (Megan) of Tucson, Arizona. In addition to her three children, she is survived by six grandchildren: Katherine Tierney and Mary Tierney of Humboldt, Iowa; Allen Tierney (Erin Quinn) of Ames, Iowa; Eli Piersel of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; Katrina Piersel and Luke Piersel of Tucson, Arizona. She is also survived by three step-grandsons in Minnesota: Brandon Salchow, Joe Salchow and Johanas Harrer.

Myrna taught instrumental and elementary music and often worked as a substitute teacher. She had many piano students over the years and served as a church organist in various venues. Later in her career she became a computer specialist and for a time worked on the South Dakota State University campus. She also served as a finance secretary in three churches in Brookings, South Dakota.

She was very family oriented and always put her family’s needs first. Throughout her marriage she supported her husband Dave’s career as a University Music Professor and often hosted post-concert gatherings in their home. She loved to sew and in retirement did a lot of machine embroidery.

She and Dave retired in 2000 and moved to the Des Moines metro, where they frequently indulged their love of travel. Although she was not fond of flying, she happily boarded planes for many European countries, China, and twice to Australia. She and Dave were indeed an “item” and shared many happy times together!

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Rotary International Foundation and condolences expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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