Wayne Anton Pierson

Wayne Anton Pierson, 84, of Saint James, died on September 16, 2026, at the Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center in Fairmont, Minnesota. 

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James and will continue on Saturday from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at the funeral home. A funeral will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11: 00 am at Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James. Burial with military honors will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery in Saint James. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be given to the Bravo Zulu House or Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center. Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James. Online Condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Wayne was born on August 21, 1942, to Anton and Helen (Fanning) Pierson in Madelia. He graduated from Saint James High School in 1961. Wayne served in the US Army from 1964 until 1966 in the US and in Vietnam.

While attending a dance in Fairmont, he met the love of his life, Connie Newman. They were married on August 5, 1967, at Augustana Lutheran Church in Saint James. Together, they raised three boys.

Wayne farmed dairy and swine until they moved into town in 1991. He continued to work in his later years at Schmidt Bakery, Tony Downs, House of Print, and driving the school bus, which he especially enjoyed. For many years, he and Connie were active at Augustana Lutheran Church and volunteered with the Rosendale Skippers 4H club. Wayne also volunteered while his sons wrestled, attending all of their sporting events.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Connie; sons, Scott (Lisa) Pierson of Janesville, Minnesota, Eric (Annetta) Pierson of Victoria, Minnesota and Jason Pierson of Kasson, Minnesota; grandchildren, Bennetta Daidii, Zoe Pierson, Nicholas Pierson and Brianna (Kevin) Higgs; great grandchildren, Leeah Swen and Nayah Swen; sister, Evelyn Pierson; dear friend, Troy Goggin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Donald (Ida Mae) Pierson, Charlotte (Lloyd) Heckman, Leonard (Viola) Pierson, Roger (Joyce) Pierson, and Larry Pierson.