C. David Pierce, 93

C. (Charles) David Pierce, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed on from this life on March 22nd, 2026, at the age of 93. 

David was born in Geneva, IL to Hazel (Earl) and Theodore Pierce. He graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1950 and studied Music Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). He met Sally Emrich in the Illinois Concert Band – he played trombone and she played baritone, so their seats were near each other. The two were married in 1953.

David received his Bachelors (1954) and Masters (1955) degrees from UIUC and went on to live a life of service. He served 18 months in the United States Army 101st Airborne Division band. After his military service, David moved to Woodstock, IL, and became the band director at Olsen Junior High School. In 1963, David was appointed the Director of Bands at Woodstock High School. He remained in this position for 25 years, where he impacted the lives of hundreds of students. 

David and Sally lived in Woodstock for 30 years, until his retirement in 1988. They moved to Port Washington, WI and spent the next 30 years living in the home they built near Lake Michigan. David was a faithful Christian. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Woodstock, IL and St. John’s Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Port Washington, WI. All four of David’s sons and two of his granddaughters went on to receive degrees from the University of Illinois. The Pierce family has a total of 18 degrees from the University. He was the patriarch, leader, role model, and hero of the Pierce family. 

David will be remembered for his life, which he lived with gratitude, appreciation, joy, and positivity. He loved food and was the first one to finish every meal. His affinity for peanut butter was unmatched. David loved music, technology, Chicago and University of Illinois sports, and his family. His loss is immeasurable. 

David is survived by his four sons, David (Denise), John (the late Alice), Eric (Marcia), and Kirk (Isabel); two grandsons, six granddaughters, eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Sally Emrich Pierce; his parents Theodore and Hazel (Earl) Pierce; his brother Theodore Pierce Jr.; his sisters Mary Lee Bolté and Nancy Polzin; his daughters in law Barbara (DePucchio) Pierce and Alice (Obery) Pierce; his grandson Alexander Pierce, and his great-grandson, William Padgett. 

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at the Church of St. Mary, 175 E Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sally Emrich and C. David Pierce Scholarship Fund through the University of Illinois Bands. (Giving.Illinois.Edu – In the search field type “Pierce” select Sally Emrich Pierce and C. David Pierce Scholarship Fund) This scholarship helps current music education students follow their dreams – the same dreams that David lived to the fullest during his life. 

The family is extremely grateful for the kindness and care of the staff and care teams at The Sheridan at Green Oaks in Lake Bluff, IL, and at Brandel Care Center in Northbrook, IL.

Info:www.wenbanfh.com or (847)234-0022.