Brian E. Pierce

Brian E. Pierce, 64, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 20, 2026 at his home in Suamico, Wisconsin. He was born August 22, 1961 in Viroqua, Wisconsin to Earl and Norma (Nundahl) Pierce, the third of four children and the family's first redhead in three generations.

Brian graduated from Onalaska High School in 1980 and later earned a certificate in welding from Western Wisconsin Technical College. Although he had little formal training as a mechanic, Brian had a remarkable natural talent for repairing automobiles, trucks, boats, and commercial equipment. He dedicated himself to his trade throughout his life, working for several companies across Wisconsin including East Side Exhaust in Green Bay, Skipper Bud's in La Crosse, and Fahrner Asphalt Sealers in Waunakee.

Brian was an enthusiastic Green Bay Packers fan who also enjoyed watching classic Western TV shows and NASCAR races, a passion that began during weekly family visits to the quarter-mile dirt track on the north side of La Crosse and later the half-mile paved track in West Salem. He followed the sport closely and had strong opinions about the merits of some NASCAR drivers.

Brian enjoyed cooking and took pride in preparing good meals. He loved children and dogs and was a loyal friend.

Brian suffered from rheumatic fever when he was a young boy and was unable to participate in organized sports, but enjoyed playing in neighborhood kickball and softball games. He shared many memorable youthful adventures with his lifelong friends Bill Lachman and Joe Neitzel.

A major stroke in 2011 significantly changed Brian's life, but he faced his challenges with determination and resilience. He maintained a remarkable memory for birthdays, people, and events. While his passing comes as a shock, his family is grateful knowing that Brian is at peace and free from further suffering.

Brian is survived by his sisters Kim Pierce, Irvine, California and Carmen (John) Perrizo, Trego, Wisconsin; brother Bradley (Jill) Pierce, Green Bay, Wisconsin; and half-brother Todd (Tina) Pierce, Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was a proud uncle to Jared Pierce, Paul Perrizo, Evan (Alex) Perrizo, Chloe Perrizo, Tyler (Landra) Pierce, Taylor Pierce (Zachary) Brinkman, and Tiffani (Carson) Affeldt and enjoyed the youngest members of the family, his great-nieces and great-nephews Cora Pierce, Corrine Pierce, Llewellyn Brinkman, and Finnley Affeldt. Brian is also survived by aunts Marlene Carrel, Martha Brewer, Judy Collins, and Janus Nundahl, uncle Robert Pierce, and many cousins.

Brian was preceded in death by his father in 1996 and his mother in 2022; grandparents Mearl and Carl Nundahl, Esther and Alden Steffy, and Lawrence Pierce; great-grandmother Dora Pierce; aunts Eileen Mikkelson and Peggy Pierce; uncles Ivan, Selmer, Kenneth, Merlin, and Donald Nundahl, and Melvin Brewer; and great-niece Camry Pierce.

A celebration of life will be held this summer.