Fifth Generation

125. Grace DeLillis GIRAUD was born on 18 July 1943 in Sparta, Sparta Township, Monroe County, WI.⁹⁷

Grace DeLillis GIRAUD and Duaine Irvin "Black" PIERCE were married on 26 August 1961 in Ridgeville Township, Monroe County, WI.^25,266,267 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. Duaine Irvin "Black" PIERCE, son of Loren Wesley PIERCE and Bertha Albertina E. SCHROEDER, was born on 26 October 1940 in Oakdale, Oakdale Township, Monroe County, WI.^25,97,268 He died on 28 April 2007 at the age of 66 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI.²⁵

Obituary Notes: "Duaine "Black" Pierce, age 66, of Tomah, WI, passed away on Saturday, April 28, 2007, at his home. He was born in the town of Oakdale to Loren Sr. and Bertha (Schroeder) Pierce on October 26, 1940.

He was united in marriage on August 26, 1961, to Grace Giraud at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church at Ridgeville. To this union five children were born, Robert, Jeannine, James, Michael and Sara. Duaine was raised on the family farm in Reels Valley. He attended the Reels Valley School and St. Paul's Lutheran School. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.

Known as “Black”, his lifetime passion was dairy farming and his 4020 John Deere tractor. He loved collecting farm toys. When the "farmer" tractor pulls began at Tomah, he became an avid and active participant and always placed near the top. Black also was an avid Green Bay Packer fan. Come Sunday or Monday night game time, you would find him (and his family) in front of the TV - it was Green Bay Packers time. Every one always knew exactly what he would like for birthdays, Christmas or just plain old anytime - farm toys for his collection or Packer memorabilia.

We cannot forget his other love, a deck of cards - pinochle. You could always find him with loved ones and friends in a good game of cards. Berry picking and keeping the lawn and farm area mowed gave him pleasure, as did mowing lawns for friends and neighbors. Most of all next to his wife, Grace, his greatest love was spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Grace (Giraud); his children, Robert of Warrens, Jeannine (Bruce) Miller of Tomah, James (Karen) Pierce of Tomah, Michael (Kaye) Pierce of Warrens, and Sara (Keith) Smith of Tomah; grandchildren, Brittany, Derek and Kasey Pierce, Thomas Miller, Taylor and Jesse Smith; three brothers, Charles “Jesse” Pierce of Tomah, Norman “Woody” (Lorraine) Pierce of Warrens, Eugene “Buck” (Mary) Pierce of Tomah; a sister, Arliss (Kjell) Oliversen of Fair Oaks Ranch, TX; a sister-in-law, Myrna Giraud of Tomah. He is further survived by one aunt, Helen Pierce; other family, Mary Etta Pierce, Zan Pierce, many cousins, nieces, nephews and special friends.

Duaine was preceded in death by his parents, Loren Sr. and Bertha Pierce; two brothers, Loren Jr. and Ronald “Whitie” Pierce; his father and mother-in-law, Robert and Gertrude Kewit Giraud Oakes; a brother-in-law, Dowaine Giraud; a sister-in-law, Sonja Pierce (Loren Jr.) and a nephew, Joey Pierce.

Family and friends are invited for visitation on Wednesday, May 2, 2007, from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. with a 1:30 p.m. memorial service at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Rev. Juergen Lucka will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred."

Grace DeLillis GIRAUD and Duaine Irvin "Black" PIERCE had the following children: