Dorothy N. Pierce

Dorothy “Dottie” Noami Pierce (née Marshall), 95, of La Crosse, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Hillview Health Care Center, surrounded by her loved ones.

Born on March 23, 1930, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Evelyn (née White) and Albert Marshall, Dottie was the second of three children. After graduating from Southern High School, she worked as a cashier and bookkeeper at Besche Brothers furniture store.

Dottie married the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Pierce, on April 21, 1951, in Baltimore. They moved to England, where Dick was stationed with the U.S. Army. There, they welcomed their two oldest daughters, Sandy and Linda. Upon returning to the States, they settled in La Crosse and grew their family with three additional children.

Dottie dedicated herself to raising her family, sewing her children’s clothes, and volunteering with the Girl Scouts and serving as a den leader for the Boy Scouts. Known for her keen couponing skills, she delighted in finding the best deals and stretching the family budget. Dottie and Dick enjoyed traveling and loved gathering family and friends for lively games and card nights—her joyful spirit shining through every interaction.

Beyond her home, Dottie was passionate about genealogy, tracing her roots back to the 1700s. As an avid bowler, she filled her trophy case with awards from Pla-Mor Lanes and continued golfing well into her eighties, even joining the hole-in-one club at Hillview Golf Course. After losing her husband of 59 years, she poured her energy into her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and quilting. Dottie was a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Lioness Club, and WELCA of Our Savior’s.

She will be deeply missed by her children, Sandy (Sam) Bohanan, Linda (Tom) Merwin, Larry (Mary) Pierce, and Brenda (Rod) Uting; her ten grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Sue Wuensch and JoAnn Gabbinelli; nieces and nephews; and her brother, Wayne.

She is preceded in death by her youngest daughter, Sheila Kay Pierce; her husband, Dick; and her sister, Evelyn.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 13, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, 200 West Avenue South, La Crosse. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 14, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 612 Division Street, La Crosse, with a visitation one hour prior. A luncheon will be served with burial to follow at Mormon Coulee Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers and in accordance with Dottie’s request, please consider making a donation in her name to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Hillview Health Care Center, or Gundersen Hospice.