Daniel J Pierce

He was born on November 25, 1961, in Denver, Colorado, to William Pierce and Marilyn Joan Lovell Pierce.

Dan was a devoted husband to Tracy Rutherford, whom he married on August 20, 1988. Dan met Tracy after repeatedly going through her lane at a local grocery store until getting the courage to ask her out. They often spent time bowling, going out to eat, or, a personal favorite, staying in and watching action-packed movies.

In the early years of their marriage, Dan held positions with the City of Springfield and later found joy in mechanics, working for Thompson's Lawn Equipment for a number of years.

Dan's passion however lay with his family and kids, of whom he and Tracy had 4: Cory, Brittany, Callie, and Brooke. Always there, Dan became a stay-at-home dad. Their interests were his interests; what they loved, he loved. As a father, he was active and involved in any way he could be. He could be found volunteering at a school activity, chaperoning a field trip (or his daughters' kitchen antics, which there were many), or simply spending time with them.

Dan was elated to become a grandfather, the excitement growing each time, to each of his five grandchildren: Lauranna (Charlie) and Emily Pierce, whom he helped raise and take care of, and Raiden “Buhba” and Clementine “Clemy” Schaeffer. He was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his newest grandson, Sabian Skeeters; upon his passing, though they did not get the chance to meet, they will forever feel the love of one another through his family and memories.

As a kid Dan enjoyed riding dirt bikes and had a love for music, TV, movies, and comedy and would talk fondly about the shows he had gone to.

Dan will be remembered for his laid-back demeanor and calming presence, his overall kindness, his (sometimes dark) sense of humor, (which he passed on to his kids), and the way he could always be relied on to be there for anyone he loved, for when Dan loved, he loved deeply and fiercely. He made a room feel safe when he was in it.

Daniel is survived by his wife, Tracy (née Rutherford); son Cory; daughters Brittany, Callie, and Brooke; and grandchildren Lauranna (Charlie), Raiden, Clementine, Emily, and Sabian.

He is preceded in death by his baby brother, Bradley J. Pierce; his mother, Marilyn Joan Lovell Pierce; his father, William H. Pierce; and his older brother, William "Bill" C. Pierce.

He will be greatly missed.

A memorial gathering for Daniel will be held Wednesday, March 19, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Bisch and Son Funeral Home 505 East Allen Street, Springfield, Illinois 62703.