Russell Peirce

Russell Peirce, age 96, of Yankton, South Dakota, died April, 7, 2026, at Avera Sister James Care Center in Yankton, South Dakota.

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM on April 25, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church in Yankton, South Dakota, with Reverend Katie Ricke officiating. Burial will be at a later date at the Draper Cemetery in Draper, South Dakota. Visitation is from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on April 24, 2026, at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton, South Dakota, with a prayer service at 7:00 PM.

Russell Peirce was born November 21, 1929, in Philip, South Dakota, to Myron and Frances (Rice) Peirce. He grew up in Philip until he was 15 years old when his family moved to Draper, South Dakota. He graduated from Draper High School in 1947 and then graduated from Dakota Wesleyan in Mitchell, South Dakota with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Russell went on to attend Iliff School of Theology for Ministry in Denver, Colorado. After seminary he lived in Northville and served at Mellette for a few years, then to Wall and Wasta, South Dakota, and then in Hot Springs, South Dakota. While in Hot Springs, he met Mary Madsen and they were later married on June 28, 1963. After their marriage Russell served many churches around South Dakota including in Plankinton, Gettysburg, Tolstoy, Rapid City, back to Philip, Interior, Clear Lake, Gary, Scotland, Tripp and then retired to Yankton in 1994.

Russell was a kind and gentle man who had a strong love and faith in the Lord and loved talking to people about their faith. He was a great listener and true minister to his church. He enjoyed playing the piano and watching trains, but especially enjoyed his ministry in the church.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Peirce of Yankton, South Dakota; three sons: James (Julie) Peirce of West Palm Beach, Florida; Tim Peirce of Altamonte Springs, Florida; and Ken Peirce of Elk Point, South Dakota; former daughters-in-law, Ronnie Mytas of Orlando, Florida and Angela Peirce of Elk Point, South Dakota; nine grandchildren: Spencer, Taylor, Kyla, Krista, Scott, Jordan, Emily, Elisabeth and Jacob; three great grandchildren: Cara, Cecelia, and Walter; sister, June (Richard) Nix of Murdo, South Dakota; nephew, Brett Nix and nieces, Joni Hunt and Nancy Limbach.

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother, Washington Reynolds.