Robert James Pierce entered his eternal home in heaven on Sunday, December 31, 2023.
He was born on December 13, 1939, in Chicago, IL, and was baptized on March 3, 1940, at Chatham Fields Lutheran Church in Chicago. He confirmed his Christian faith on March 29, 1953, at Chatham Fields Lutheran Church. Robert married Bonita (Beck) on May 22, 1976, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Snyder, Nebraska. They were blessed with three daughters.
Pastor Pierce impacted many lives in his 53 years of preaching and loved sharing the good news of Jesus with those around him. He attended Concordia College, in Milwaukee, WI, and Concordia Senior College in Ft. Wayne, IN. He graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO in May 1966. His vicarage year was spent at Trinity Lutheran Church, Sauk Rapids, MN. On June 26, 1966, he was ordained in his home congregation, Chatham Fields Lutheran Church in Chicago. Pastor Pierce served Immanuel Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran Churches in Schuyler, NE from July 1966 to January 1984. He served as pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Waco, NE from February 5, 1984, to May 1996. Pastor Pierce was installed as pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ogallala, NE in June 1996 and retired in July 2019.
Pastor Pierce was the circuit counselor of the Nebraska Western Sandhills District for several years. He also served as the vacancy pastor at Lutheran churches in the area over his years of ministry. He was active in the Ogallala Kiwanis Club and the Ogallala Garden Club. Over the years, Robert enjoyed bowling, playing with model trains, attending his daughters’ activities, gardening, watching football, reading, telling jokes, taking naps, visiting with people, reading cartoons, and playing with his grandchildren.
Robert is survived by his wife Bonita; children Michelle Degenhardt of Cypress, TX, and Kristina (Justin) Schilke of Houston, TX; grandchildren Ashlyn and Caleb Degenhardt and Beckett and Laura Schilke.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Laura Pierce; son-in-law, Ryon Degenhardt; his sister, Carol Wunder; and his parents, Glenden and Bessie Pierce.
Visitation will be held Thursday, January 4, 2024, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ogallala, NE from 1:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M.
A funeral service will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ogallala, Nebraska on Friday, January 5, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. with Rev. Albert Bader officiating.
Internment will take place in St. John’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, suggested memorials to LCMS Mission Central (Iowa/Nebraska Districts) 40755 Co Hwy E16, Mapleton, IA 51034 and Concordia Seminary 801 Seminary Pl, St. Louis, MO 63105.
Online condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.com
The service will be live-streamed at www.drauckerfh.com.
Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.