Don E. Pierce, 79, of Stillman Valley, IL, passed away peacefully, Tuesday afternoon, May 2, 2023 at Serenity House in Oregon. He was born October 17, 1943 in Franklin, Indiana, the son of Luke and Nellie (Cox) Pierce. Don married the love of his life, Betty J. Shimkus, on September 12, 1964. He was employed as an airplane mechanic at Sundstrand for over 40 years. Don enjoyed going to the gym, riding his bicycle and running with a group from the YMCA. He was an avid reader and read over 800 books after he retired. Don enjoyed doing yardwork and caring for his home.
Don is survived by his wife, Betty; children, John (Staci) Pierce and Steven (Lisa) Pierce; grandchildren, Alex (Jeff) Keenan, Brent Pierce, Grant Pierce, Brett Pierce, Cameron (Lisa) Wills, Drew (Ancil) Philip. He was preceded in death by his parents, Luke and Nellie and his mother and father-in-law, Bryon and Lucille Shimkus.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 8, 2023 at Willwood Burial Park, 7000 W. State St, Rockford, IL, 61102. Memorials may be made in Don’s name to Serenity Hospice and Home, https://serenityhospiceandhome.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/serenityhospiceandhome/donation.jsp. To share a condolence, please visit www.advantagerockford.com.
