Charles L. "Charlie" Pierce Jr.

MASON CITY - Charles L. "Charlie" Pierce Jr., 42, of 617 S. Jefferson Ave. in Mason City, died of a sudden illness on Friday (Oct. 5, 2007) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday (Oct. 10, 2007) at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 302 Fifth St. S.E. in Mason City, with the Rev. Jon M. Seda officiating.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 1 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Fullerton Funeral Home, 123 Second St. S.E. in Mason City, with a Scripture vigil service at 7 p.m.

After visitation at the funeral home on Tuesday evening, cremation will take place in the care of Fullerton Funeral Home. Inurnment will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, following Charlie's service at the church.

Those wishing to extend memorials may choose to direct them to the Charles L. Pierce Jr. Memorial Fund in care of his parents, Charles Sr. and Juanita Pierce, 908 Ninth St. S.E., Mason City, IA 50401.

Born on Father's Day, June 20, 1965, Charles Luther Pierce Jr. entered the world at Mercy Hospital in Mason City and into the loving arms of his parents, Charles L. Pierce Sr. and Juanita (Ramirez) Pierce. "Charlie," as he was fondly nicknamed, was the first son and second child born to his parents. He was baptized and made his first Holy Communion at Holy Family Catholic Church and was confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mason City.

During his youth, Charlie enjoyed roller-skating, riding his moped and bowling, in which he was a runner-up in the Iowa Junior Bowler's Tournament in Des Moines. He graduated from Mason City High School in May of 1983.

Charlie has been a resident of Mason City all his life and was currently employed as a laborer at Curries, where he established many friendships.

Described as a happy-go-lucky guy who could mesmerize you with his smile and "one who lived each day of life to the fullest," Charlie was known for his great sense of humor, his appreciation of telling and hearing a good joke and his ability to pull off a prank on an unsuspecting person! He was a true "kid at heart" and loved romping with and teasing his nieces and nephews!

In his leisure time, Charlie treasured playing his harmonica and guitar, riding his motorcycle, fishing, bicycling, golfing, drinking his favorite Starbucks coffee any time of the day and attending concerts and listening to all kinds of music. He was especially fond of rhythm and blues.

He found excitement in watching the Animal Planet channel and ultimate fighting on television and dining on his dad's home-cooked meals! Charlie could often be seen walking his special German shepherd companion, Sugar, around his neighborhood.

Charlie's easygoing personality and fun-loving spirit allowed him to be included in the lives of numerous friends. His parents and his entire family were always near and dear to his heart! He will be cherished by all who have shared in his short but full life!

Surviving Charlie are his parents, Charles L. Sr. "Chuck" and Juanita Pierce, of Mason City; his siblings, Susan (Larry) Coffland, of Fairfax, Iowa; Dana (Terry) Pierce, of Corona, Calif., and Christine (David) Clapper, of Clear Lake; his nieces and nephews, Bryan, Savannah Jo, Luther, Spencer, Jay, Jackie, Danica, Dane, Dylan and Dakota; and his great-niece, Kora. He will also be dearly missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Preceding Charlie in death are his maternal grandparents, Jose Ramirez and Julia Avalos; and his paternal grandparents, Donavan and Viola Pierce.

Thoughts, condolences and stories may be e-mailed to the family on the

www.fullertonfh.com Web site.

Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 641-423-8676.