Emily Renee Pierce

Emily (EM) Renee Pierce (Eckman), 66, of Moorhead, MN, died on November 29, 2025, at Sanford Broadway Hospital, Fargo, North Dakota. Emily was born September 15, 1959, to Leon and Verna Eckman in Moorhead. Em grew up and attended school in Moorhead, graduating from high school in 1977.

Shortly after graduation, Em began work as a teller at First National Bank in Moorhead. In 1982 she began a career with Pierce Inc. that lasted forty-three years. On July 15, 1983, Em married Carl Alan Pierce at the First Congregational Church in Fargo, ND. They honeymooned in Fort Myers, Florida. Their first home was in Country Heritage Community, Oakport, which was in one of the company’s housing developments. One of their additions was “Sam”, a beautiful Samoyed puppy who grew into adulthood and became Em’s best friend dog.

Emily loved people and was always ready for a conversation about their lives. She had an unusual fond memory, remembering everything, details including everyone’s names, places and dates. She greatly enjoyed national politics and was always up to date on world events. In whatever Em did she was a perfectionist at home, at work, out and about, and with her personal appearance. Daily life meant a regular exercise work out, and in their early days enjoyable bike rides.

Emily worked closely with Carl, which included land development of both residential and commercial properties and the establishment and/or ownership of multiple subdivisions in the area. Emily and Carl collaborated as a home builder under the name of Mastercraft Homes of the Dakota’s, building in Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo.

Over a period of sixty years the company has provided and marketed a combined thousands of housing units and residential lots. Em was not afraid of any aspect of business life and in the past five years was pretty much the face of the business as Carl semi-retired.

Em was involved in an automobile accident some five years ago and a fall at home that left her with serious injuries to her back. In her persistent nature trying to exceed her body’s energy level and unwillingness to slow down and accept outside help ended in complete exhaustion and hospitalization.

At a patient care conference for Em at Sanford North hospital, Em was asked “how long have you and Carl been married?” Her remark in a labored but clear tone was “We have been married for forty-two years and We Are One”, just three words Carl had never heard her say. It was tested in their first year of marriage when Carl was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. This did not deter Emily at all and together they continued their journey for forty-two years.

Emily is survived by her husband, Carl Alan Pierce, Moorhead, MN; one brother, Leon Eckman, Scottsdale, AZ; three stepchildren: Michelle Shulse, Jodi Barlow (Doug), Susie Puppe (Mike) and step grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father, Leon Eckman; mother, Verna Eckman; three brothers, Duane Eckman, Greg Eckman and Lyle Eckman, and grandsons Owen and Aiden Puppe (twin brothers).

Interment at two family cemeteries with stone markers. Eckman Family at Moorhead Memorial Gardens and Pierce Family at Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead.

Remembrance event in the summer of 2026. Further details will be shared at a later date.