Gerhard "Gary" W. Pierce

Gerhard “Gary” W. Pierce, age 85, of French Island and most recently Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at St. Francis Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Gary was born on April 26, 1940, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to Gerhard “Pete” Pierce and Mary Ann (Kubiak) Pierce. On November 7, 1957, he married Patricia “Peaches” K. Raith in Waukon, Iowa. Together, they shared 53 wonderful years of marriage until Patricia’s passing in 2011.

Gary attended Onalaska High School and graduated from Holmen High School. He later earned his degree from Western Wisconsin Technical Institute. Gary retired from McLoone Metal Graphics and was the proud owner of Pierce Refrigeration. He and Patricia were also devoted foster parents for many years, opening their hearts and home to children in need.

Gary was a lifetime member of ASHRAE and a longtime member of the French Island Lions Club. His dedication to his profession and community was evident in all he did.

He is survived by his six children: Randy Pierce, Carol Pierce, Jodi Hurtz, Candace Pierce, Tina Pierce, and David Pierce; and eleven grandchildren: Brandon, Gary, Michaela, Logan, Brooke, Jordan, Skylar, Calilyn, Bella, Emerson, and Gabriella.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Patricia “Peaches” Pierce, and his brother David Pierce.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home in La Crosse. Entombment will follow at Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home and again from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services on Saturday.