James Richard Peirce

MADISON-James R. Peirce, age 67, of Madison, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012, at Agrace HospiceCare, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. He was born on Aug. 29, 1945, the son of Clarence and LaVerne (Stoflet) Peirce. Jim attended Madison East High School. He was united in marriage to Gwen Ihland on Oct. 29, 1966. Jim was an Arborist for Capital Tree Experts for many years. He then worked for the City of Madison for the past 20 years. Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman, so talented at fishing, he could catch a fish in a mud hole. He was also a NASCAR fan, especially of Dale Earnhardt. Most of all, Jim cherished the time spent with his grandchildren, family and friends. Jim made a yearly trip to Canada, but this last trip in June was a treasure. He had a love of nature and of being outdoors. Jim is survived by his wife of 46 years, Gwen; sons, Daniel (Pam), Mark (Andrea) and Joel (Melissa); grandchildren, Lexi, Dru, Emalee and Rae-Ann; sisters, Carol (Pat) Rogers and Judy Hoff; brother, Bill (Pat) Peirce; brothers-in-law, Wayne (Audrey) Ihland and David (Diane) Ihland; sisters-in-law, Shirley (Mickey) Bostad and RuthAnn (Jerry) Dobbs; many special nieces and nephews; and other family and friends who have helped along the way. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joan Anderson; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ove and Stella Ihland. Funeral services will be held at HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2670 Milwaukee St., Madison, at 11 a.m., on Monday, Nov. 5, 2012, with the Rev. Mark Bartels presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday at the church. Memorials may be made in Jim’s name to Holy Cross Lutheran Church Building Fund or Agrace HospiceCare Inc. The family would like to extend a thank you to Abigail and staff at St. Mary’s Hospital, Digestive Health; Dean Oncology, especially Dr. Kim and the wonderful staff, and to Agrace HospiceCare. And a special thank you to his two dedicated friends, Lightfoot and Rex. Your love and support has carried us through this journey. As Jim would say, “I’m Fine!” Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420 www.gundersonfh.com Cemetery: Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be made in Jim’s name to Holy Cross Lutheran Church Building Fund or Agrace HospiceCare Inc. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday at the church. Funeral services will be held at HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2670 Milwaukee St., Madison, at 11 a.m., on Monday, Nov. 5, 2012, with the Rev. Mark Bartels presiding.